Abuja

Thomas Adegbite, Ogun Fresh concerns have emerged within the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has grilled a former Director, Yisau A. Adepoju, over alleged irregularities surrounding his contract appointment and continued involvement in the Commission after retirement. Adepoju, who retired from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, was re-engaged on a one-year contract at the FCCPC between August 2023 and August 1, 2024. He was reportedly placed on Grade Level 17 Step 7 — a placement that contradicts provisions of the Public Service Rules guiding the contract appointment of retired officers, particularly at senior cadre levels. After the expiration of his contract, Adepoju was said to have been retained in the Commission as a consultant, continuing to operate within the administrative structure without the mandatory clearances from the Office of the Head of Service or the supervising ministry. Read Also: FCCPC Recovers Over ₦10bn for Consumers in Six Months ICPC’s preliminary findings indicate that the former Director continued to function in roles equivalent to his previous position despite having no formal authorization to do so, a situation that has raised concerns about procedural breaches and internal compliance within the FCCPC. A senior official familiar with the matter, who spoke to The Historica Nigeria on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “a clear violation of the Public Service Rules.” “Remaining in an administrative role after the expiration of a contract without proper clearance is against established procedures,” the source said. He added that the issue also interferes with staff career progression, stressing that “There are competent personnel within the Commission who can handle the responsibilities, but certain individuals created room for an irregular extension of his influence.” Insiders within the Commission have called on the supervising Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to thoroughly investigate the development and sanction those found culpable. Staff members who also spoke with The Historica Nigeria noted that addressing the issue is critical to maintaining the FCCPC’s institutional integrity, especially as the Commission continues to attract national and international attention for its regulatory activities.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G (DICON–D7G) has announced a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to boost local weapons manufacturing, revealing that it has successfully assembled nearly 1,000 units of the DG-103 rifle—an upgraded variant of the AK-103—within just two months of commencing production in Kaduna. This milestone was disclosed during a media briefing at the company’s Abuja headquarters by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Osman Chennar. According to him, all rifles in the first production batch have undergone comprehensive testing and certification, fully meeting the operational standards required by the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies. He added that the company is simultaneously producing drones and anti-drone systems equipped with early-warning features designed to enhance military field operations. Read Also: Explosion Rocks Defence Industries Facility in Kaduna, One Dead, Several Injured “With full operations now underway, our target is to achieve an annual production capacity of sixty million rounds of ammunition,” he stated, reaffirming DICON–D7G’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence ecosystem. Speaking on behalf of the CEO, retired Major General M. A. Masanawa revealed that the company is finalizing plans to acquire a military jetty in Lagos by February 2026. The proposed facility, he said, will house a production line, warehouses, and staff accommodation. He explained that the acquisition is projected to significantly enhance local production capacity and create new prospects for exporting defence equipment to neighbouring African countries. Furthermore, DICON–D7G plans to establish a shipyard at the facility to provide maintenance and servicing for naval vessels. DICON–D7G, a central player in Nigeria’s renewed hope agenda for defence industrialization, noted that these developments represent only the beginning of broader initiatives aimed at reducing foreign dependence and strengthening national security readiness.

A+AROAMS NIGERIA Ltd, with the support of the Chairperson of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has launched an online entrepreneurship training programme designed for young people across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Chairman of the foundation, Alhaji Abubakar Sidi Akibu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, noting that the initiative became necessary in view of the increasing unemployment rate in the country. He said the nationwide programme will equip Nigerian youths with practical skills, digital knowledge, and business strategies essential for creating sustainable livelihoods. Sidi Akibu explained that the training will help participants understand how to use digital platforms to generate income, particularly as technology continues to reshape global opportunities. Read Also: NNPP Claims Overhyped as Ganduje Strengthens APC’s 2027 Positioning – Analyst “Almost everyone today has a smartphone and social media handles. The question is, why not use it to our own benefit?” he said, urging youths to take advantage of digital tools. The programme will cover Digital Marketing, Handcraft Skills, and Product Packaging, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with a strong foundation to start and scale small businesses. He further stated that Dr. Ganduje initiated the initiative as part of his commitment to giving back to society beyond politics. “You know that small businesses and digital marketing will really help, especially our married women at home, allowing them to earn without needing to go outside”. “Ganduje’s commitment to empowerment is not limited to Kano alone; his guidance continues to inspire youth initiatives across the country. Stakeholders say his support for the nationwide digital training programme reflects a broader vision that reaches all 36 states and the FCT, demonstrating his belief in equipping young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in today’s digital economy”, he added. Interested applicants from all states can register for the training through this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/e/1FAIpQLSexA6KKuFNhCwK864nNYh8Tq2IfexujWuXwTPrht83trGMBOw/alreadyresponded?usp Sidi Akibu also revealed that exceptional participants will receive rewards at the end of the programme to further motivate them and support their growth. Abubakar Sidi Akibu, a realtor in the nation’s capital, expressed confidence that the project will make a meaningful impact on the lives of both youth and women.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, as he awaits further security briefings on the kidnapped Kebbi schoolgirls and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State. In response to a request by the Governor of Kwara State, President Tinubu has ordered the deployment of more security personnel to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of the state. He has also directed the police to apprehend the bandits who attacked the worshippers. The President was scheduled to leave Abuja to attend the 20th G20 Summit of leaders in South Africa and then proceed to Luanda to attend the 7th AU-EU Summit. However, he has suspended his departure due to the security breaches in Kebbi State and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State. Read Also: FAAN National Aviation Conference 2025 Concludes With Focus On Safety, Security, and Profitability President Tinubu is awaiting reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who paid a sympathy visit to Kebbi on his behalf, as well as reports from the police and the Department of State Services regarding the attack in Kwara. He reiterates his directive to security agencies to do everything possible to rescue the 24 abducted schoolgirls and bring them back home safely. This information was conveyed in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Wednesday.

Scientist Mubarak Sale Bagwai, the newly elected Chairman Kano State Branch of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), has unveiled a reform-driven agenda aimed at elevating laboratory practice, strengthening member welfare, and advancing healthcare delivery nationwide. In his inaugural address, Bagwai reaffirmed his commitment to raising laboratory standards across Nigeria, noting that the AMLSN will actively support medical laboratories in obtaining ISO accreditation and implementing effective Quality Management Systems (QMS). He disclosed plans to connect both public and private laboratories with qualified mentors and technical experts to ensure safe, precise, and reliable diagnostic outcomes. He also pledged to reinvigorate the AMLSN Care Foundation by expanding member access to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), supporting families of deceased members, and initiating community medical outreaches in underserved areas. Bagwai further announced financial sustainability plans for the association through low-risk investments, cooperative shareholding, and income-generating ventures aimed at reducing dependency and ensuring long-term growth. Read Also: NSE Kabuga Branch Inducts 132 Graduate Engineers, Pledges Support for Professional Growth “No association can thrive without sustainable finance,” he emphasized. As part of his vision for capacity development, Bagwai highlighted the introduction of structured mentorship and career development programmes—both locally and internationally—to help young scientists advance professionally and gain research exposure across borders. He vowed to advocate for paid internships and improved training conditions, including hostel accommodation for Medical Laboratory Science trainees — a longstanding demand in the profession. Calling for a stronger national voice, Bagwai said medical laboratory scientists must be included in key health policy platforms, presidential committees, and decision-making spaces where Nigeria’s healthcare agenda is shaped. He leads a newly elected national executive council comprising: Prof. Muhd Ahmad Bello – Vice Chairman MLS Aisha Abubakar Jibril, PhD – Secretary MLS Arif Safyan Labbo – Assistant Secretary MLS Muhd F. Aliyu – Treasurer MLS Comrade Alwal Nasir – Financial Secretary MLS Muhd Ahmad Muhd – Publicity Secretary MLS Ibrahim Kassim Litai – Internal Auditor MLS Fatima Adamu – Welfare Director Bagwai’s leadership signals a new chapter for Nigeria’s medical laboratory scientists — one focused on professional excellence, financial stability, and a stronger role in shaping national health outcomes.

A young Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yarima — who recently confronted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike — has reportedly escaped what appears to be an assassination attempt in Abuja. Military sources told The Independent Mirror that Yarima was trailed on Sunday evening by unknown men dressed in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans with no number plates. The vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way. The officer reportedly noticed the surveillance and carried out what sources described as a “strategic maneuver,” successfully evading the suspected attackers at about 6:30 p.m. Read Also: Navy Silent as Wike Confronts Officers Over Alleged Land Grabbing in Abuja Security authorities are said to be taking the matter seriously, though further details are being withheld to avoid jeopardizing ongoing investigations. This incident comes shortly after a viral confrontation in Gaduwa District, where Lt. Yarima — while on official duty — challenged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site. The argument, captured on video, sparked national attention and forced the Presidency to halt a demolition exercise. The face-off triggered widespread public debate, with many Nigerians and military veterans rallying behind the officer. A coalition of retired servicemen warned they were ready to “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if Yarima faced any form of punishment. “How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” asked Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, spokesperson for the veterans’ group. In response, Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar assured the public that no officer acting lawfully would be sanctioned. “We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty,” he stated. “Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and doing it well.” The alleged assassination attempt has now heightened tensions, with many interpreting it as an escalation in the fallout from the widely publicized confrontation.