NaijaTalk, Abuja, FCT Abuja (2026)

05/10/2026

North-East Governors Urge FG to Fast-Track Mambila Hydropower Project

The North-East Governors’ Forum has called on the Federal Government to urgently accelerate work on the long-delayed Mambila Hydropower Project in Taraba State, saying the project is critical to improving electricity supply and supporting economic development across the region.

The governors made the demand in an 11-point communiqué issued after the forum’s 13th regular meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State. The meeting was chaired by Borno State Governor and Chairman of the North-East Governors’ Forum, Babagana Zulum, while Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, the forum’s vice chairman, presented the communiqué.

The forum expressed concern over what it described as the seeming neglect of the Mambila Hydropower Plant and urged the Federal Government to take advantage of a recent arbitration ruling that reportedly cleared a legal obstacle affecting the project.

The governors said the resolution of the legal issue should provide an opportunity for the Federal Government to move ahead with the completion and eventual commencement of the project. They described the Mambila project as an important component of efforts to address the region's long-standing electricity challenges.

The Mambila Hydropower Project is planned for Taraba State and has been described in government energy planning documents as a major large-scale hydropower development, with a proposed capacity of about 3,050 megawatts. If completed and successfully integrated into Nigeria's power system, the project could significantly increase electricity generation capacity.

The North-East governors argued that access to reliable electricity is not only an energy issue but also a major requirement for economic development. They said improved power supply would support businesses, industries, agriculture, education, healthcare and other economic activities across the six states of the region.

The forum also pointed to the Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant in Gombe State, which is already supplying electricity to the national grid, as an example of the potential benefits of regional investment in power infrastructure. The governors said the success of Dadinkowa demonstrated the importance of expanding electricity generation and distribution capacity in the North-East.

Beyond the Mambila project, the governors encouraged states in the region to take advantage of Nigeria's electricity law and the North-East's significant solar resources to expand renewable energy projects. They specifically highlighted solar power and mini-grid solutions as additional ways of improving electricity access in communities that remain poorly served by the national grid.

The call comes as the North-East continues to face major infrastructure and development challenges. Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State recently said the region still needs significant progress in areas including power, transportation, healthcare, education and economic development. He described collective action by the six states as necessary because many of the challenges facing the region cannot be effectively addressed by individual states working alone.

The governors' meeting also addressed transportation and energy costs. The forum agreed to work with Green Ville Energy to establish additional Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas stations across the region. The initiative is intended to reduce transportation costs, improve logistics and support economic activity.

The forum also acknowledged support from the Federal Government and the North-East Development Commission for the planned provision of 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses and 300 electric taxis for the region. The vehicles are expected to be launched in October as part of efforts to improve transportation and reduce the burden of rising mobility costs.

The governors further agreed to establish a North-East Regional Air Shuttle to improve the movement of people and goods between states in the region and other parts of Nigeria. The initiative is expected to complement ongoing efforts to improve road and rail connectivity.

The forum also commended renewed federal attention to the Port Harcourt-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri rail corridor and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri highway. The governors said improved transportation infrastructure would strengthen trade, security and economic integration across the region.

The Mambila project has remained a major but long-delayed infrastructure proposal. Its latest push comes as the North-East Governors' Forum seeks to present a united position on issues affecting the region, including energy, infrastructure, security, employment and economic development.

05/10/2026

# Borno Attack Death Toll Rises as More Bodies Are Found in Marte

The death toll from a suspected Boko Haram attack on farmers and firewood gatherers in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State has risen sharply after additional bodies were recovered from surrounding bush areas.

The attack, which occurred in the Marte area of northeastern Borno, initially left at least 15 people dead, according to the Borno State Police Command. Three other residents were also reported missing after the incident, which occurred as civilians ventured into the surrounding bush to farm and gather firewood.

The victims were reportedly attacked in areas around Ala, Gummna and Musune wards, approximately 130 kilometres northeast of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. Local sources said the victims included farmers, firewood gatherers, young men and elderly members of the community.

The attack took place between Wednesday evening and Thursday, October 1, according to reports. The victims had gone into the area to work on their farms and gather firewood for their families and livelihoods when they were reportedly ambushed by suspected Boko Haram fighters.

The Borno State Police Command initially confirmed that 15 people had been killed. Police spokesperson Nahum Daso said security personnel were working to establish the whereabouts of the missing residents and investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

“Yes, there was an attack in Marte. Fifteen people were killed while others are still missing,” Daso said in the initial confirmation. He added that details were still being gathered and that further information would be released as the investigation progressed.

Community members subsequently recovered the bodies of the victims and buried them according to Islamic rites. Initial reports indicated that 15 bodies had been recovered from the area, while three people who had gone into the bush with the victims remained unaccounted for.

However, the situation changed over the weekend as search teams continued combing the surrounding bush. According to an anti-jihadist militia leader who spoke to AFP, 13 additional bodies were recovered, taking the reported death toll to at least 28.

The militia leader, Babakura Kolo, said the newly discovered victims were found in the surrounding bush and had apparently suffered gunshot wounds. He said local search teams and volunteers were continuing to search the area for additional victims.

A separate report by EFE on Monday quoted Mohammed Goni, a leader of the Civilian Joint Task Force involved in counter-insurgency operations, as saying that local search teams had recovered more bodies and that the number of bodies found had reached 30. However, EFE also reported that a police officer at Borno State headquarters, speaking anonymously, put the confirmed death toll at 28.

The conflicting figures mean that the final death toll has yet to be conclusively established by the Borno State Police Command. The initial official figure remains 15, while subsequent reports based on local security sources indicate that at least 28 people have now been found dead, with one local militia source putting the figure at 30.

The attack has attracted condemnation from Amnesty International, which described the killing of civilians in Marte as a grave violation of international humanitarian law. The organisation said the victims were local residents who had entered surrounding bush areas to gather firewood for their livelihoods or household cooking.

Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to take immediate and transparent measures to protect vulnerable communities in Borno and other parts of the Northeast affected by insurgency.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, also condemned the killings, describing the attack on farmers as a threat to Nigeria's efforts to improve food security.

Kyari said the victims were innocent Nigerians who had gone to their farms to earn a living and contribute to the country's food supply. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Marte and the Borno State Government.

The incident has once again highlighted the severe security challenges facing farmers and rural communities in northeastern Nigeria. Residents in parts of Borno depend on farming, firewood collection and other activities in surrounding bush areas for their livelihoods, but these activities expose them to attacks from insurgent groups.

Marte is one of the areas of Borno State that has faced prolonged insecurity linked to Boko Haram and its splinter groups. The insurgency in northeastern Nigeria has continued for more than 17 years and has killed tens of thousands of people while displacing millions across the region.

05/10/2026

Atiku Demands Details of NNPC’s ₦11.2 Trillion Receivables

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has demanded a detailed explanation of the ₦11.2 trillion recorded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited as receivables from the Federation, while also questioning the relationship between government contractors and President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.

Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council. He called on NNPC and the Federal Government to provide Nigerians with detailed information on the contracts, payments and services connected to the amount recorded in the company’s 2025 audited financial statements.

The controversy centres on NNPC’s 2025 accounts, which recorded approximately ₦11.2 trillion as other receivables from the Federation. According to the financial statements, the receivables relate to advances to the Federation and costs incurred by NNPC in protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas assets under an approved framework between the Federal Government and the national oil company.

Atiku specifically wants the government to disclose how much of the receivables was associated with the protection of oil and gas infrastructure, particularly pipeline surveillance. He also asked the authorities to identify the contractors who received payments, explain what services they provided and show the results achieved from the expenditure.

The former vice president said the information contained in NNPC's accounts does not provide Nigerians with enough detail to determine exactly how much was spent on pipeline security. He argued that citizens should be able to know who received public funds, what work was carried out and what level of protection was delivered to the country's petroleum infrastructure.

The figure has attracted attention partly because of its size. NNPC's 2024 audited accounts had recorded about ₦17.5 trillion in receivables from the Federation, consisting of different claims, including energy security costs and other receivables. The 2025 accounts subsequently recorded about ₦11.2 trillion in other receivables from the Federation.

However, the ₦11.2 trillion figure should not simply be interpreted as ₦11.2 trillion in fresh cash paid to pipeline security contractors during 2025. NNPC's accounts distinguish between receivables and newly incurred expenditure. The company has explained that its energy security costs relate to expenses incurred on behalf of the Federation, including the protection of oil and gas assets.

The 2025 financial statements also showed an energy security cost receivable of about ₦8.67 trillion at the end of the year. NNPC explained that its outstanding energy security costs were subject to reconciliation with royalties, taxes and dividends owed by the government, with the reconciliation exercise concluded in September 2025.

Atiku also compared the NNPC figure with the Federal Government's allocation to the Ministry of Defence in 2025. He argued that the difference demonstrated the need for greater scrutiny of the amount associated with the protection of oil and gas infrastructure, although the two figures belong to different accounting and budgetary categories.

The ADC presidential candidate further broadened his criticism to contracts involving companies engaged in oil infrastructure protection and major government projects. He specifically raised questions about Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, which is involved in pipeline surveillance, and a company associated with the Chagoury family in connection with the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

Atiku questioned whether individuals or companies benefiting from government contracts had provided financial or material support to Tinubu's 2027 re-election campaign. He called on the Presidency to disclose any such relationships and make relevant contract and payment information available to the public. These claims are political allegations made by Atiku and his campaign and should not be treated as established findings of wrongdoing without supporting evidence from an investigation or competent authority.

The former vice president's comments come as political activity increases ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, with Atiku expected to be one of the major opposition figures challenging President Tinubu.

NNPC has previously defended its integrated security arrangements, saying the measures have contributed to improved crude oil production. The company reported that production increased from an average of about 960,000 barrels per day in 2022 to approximately 1.71 million barrels per day in 2025, attributing the improvement partly to its security and surveillance efforts.

05/10/2026

Nigeria’s Voter Register Rises Above 103 Million Ahead of 2027 Elections

Nigeria’s National Register of Voters has risen to more than 103 million, the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed the latest figure on Monday, October 5, 2026, during a strategic workshop for media executives organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors in collaboration with the electoral commission in Abuja.

According to Amupitan, the increase followed the completion of the commission’s three-phase Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which produced 10,772,421 new registrations across the country. The figure followed the completion of biometric verification and cleanup processes by the commission.

The first phase of the registration exercise was conducted between August 25 and December 10, 2025, and recorded 2,611,266 registrations. The second phase, which ran from January 5 to April 17, 2026, produced another 4,121,835 registrations. The third phase took place between May 11 and July 26, 2026, and recorded 3,867,997 registrations.

INEC said the total of 10,772,421 new registrations remained subject to the commission’s Automated Biometric Identification System verification. The commission subsequently completed its final biometric cleanup after the preliminary register had been displayed for claims and objections.

Amupitan said INEC introduced an online registration portal during the third phase of the exercise to reduce the difficulties associated with distance and time. The commission also introduced printable Permanent Voter Card technology under Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, with the aim of reducing the waiting period for voters to obtain their cards.

The commission has also announced that nationwide collection of newly produced PVCs will begin on Friday, October 9, 2026. INEC said the cards have been processed and distributed to Local Government Area collection centres across the country. The exercise will cover voters who recently registered, transferred their voting locations or requested replacement cards.

The announcement comes as Nigeria moves into the final stage of preparations for the 2027 general elections. INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

INEC said it has completed eight of the 14 major statutory activities contained in its election timetable. The commission has also begun nationwide assessments of its operational readiness in an effort to identify logistical challenges and other vulnerabilities before election day.

The electoral body is also strengthening its technological infrastructure ahead of the polls. Amupitan disclosed that INEC had acquired 57,000 new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices, while existing BVAS equipment had undergone software hardening, battery optimisation and biometric calibration.

INEC is also taking steps to address concerns about election-related malpractice, particularly vote buying and illegal campaign financing. Amupitan said the commission was working with the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to monitor campaign finances and election-related spending.

The INEC chairman warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against violence, hate speech and vote buying as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the commission would work with relevant security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that electoral offences are investigated and prosecuted.

The latest voter register figure is significant because it represents a major increase in the number of Nigerians formally registered to participate in the country's next general elections. With the register now above 103 million, INEC is expected to focus increasingly on ensuring that eligible voters can collect their cards, locate their polling units and participate in the electoral process.

The commission is also scheduled to hold a national stakeholders’ meeting and world press conference on Tuesday, October 6, as the 2027 elections enter the final 100-day countdown. The meeting is expected to provide further updates on the voter register, candidate nominations, logistics and measures being introduced to strengthen the credibility of the elections.

With more than 103 million voters now on the national register, attention will turn to the collection of PVCs and INEC’s ability to deliver a transparent, peaceful and credible electoral process when Nigerians go to the polls in January and February 2027.

05/10/2026

# Nigerian Air Force Aircraft Crashes in Ondo With 32 People On Board

A Nigerian Air Force aircraft has crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, during a routine flight from Benin to Lagos, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation by military and emergency authorities.

The aircraft, identified as an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, disappeared from radar at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it. Efforts to re-establish communication with the aircraft were unsuccessful before authorities later confirmed that it had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that preliminary information indicated that 32 people were on board the aircraft. The figure comprised 25 passengers and seven crew members.

Keyamo said the wreckage had been located, while search and rescue operations were continuing. He also said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the cooperation and assistance of the Ministry of Aviation in the ongoing rescue efforts.

The Nigerian Air Force also confirmed the accident through its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. He said the aircraft was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

Ejodame said the Nigerian Air Force immediately activated search and rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies. The Air Force said further information would be released as the operation progressed.

The crash occurred in a swampy area close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda. Local residents reported hearing a loud sound around the time of the crash, while reports from the area indicated that parts of the aircraft and debris were found near a river. However, authorities have urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information while the rescue operation continues.

The Ondo State Government has also joined efforts to support the operation. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa directed the State Emergency Management Agency, Ministry of Health and relevant security agencies to mobilise personnel and logistical support for the search and rescue operation.

The governor also directed authorities to secure and cordon off the crash site to facilitate the work of emergency responders. He urged residents of Igbokoda and surrounding communities to remain calm and cooperate with officials at the scene.

As of the latest official updates, authorities had not released the identities or condition of the people on board. There was also no official confirmation of the number of casualties. Reports claiming that all 32 people had died had emerged, but these claims had not been officially confirmed by the Nigerian Air Force or the Aviation Ministry at the time of reporting.

The ATR-42 is among the aircraft operated by the Nigerian Air Force. The service has previously used the type for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions as well as transportation duties. The Nigerian Air Force has also identified the ATR-42 among the aircraft in its inventory.

The cause of Monday's crash has not yet been established. Authorities are expected to provide more information as search and rescue activities continue and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident get underway.

The crash has drawn national attention, with officials and emergency agencies working to establish the full circumstances of the incident and determine the condition of everyone who was on board.

Further updates are expected from the Nigerian Air Force, the Aviation Ministry and other authorities involved in the response.

04/10/2026

State Police Bill Faces Setback as Only Four States Approve Amendment

Nigeria's proposed constitutional amendment to establish State Police Services is facing a major hurdle after only four of the country's 36 state Houses of Assembly had formally approved the measure as of October 4, 2026. Edo, Osun, Oyo and Rivers are the states confirmed to have given their concurrence to the proposed amendment.

The development comes less than three weeks after the National Assembly transmitted the 1999 Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 to all 36 state legislatures on September 16. The bill seeks to create a constitutional framework for the establishment and operation of State Police Services across Nigeria. The National Assembly has set a 30-day administrative timeframe for the state assemblies to communicate their decisions, although the Constitution itself does not prescribe 30 days as a mandatory deadline.

For the amendment to proceed under Nigeria's constitutional process, it must receive approval from at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly, which means 24 states. With only four states currently on record as having approved the proposal, another 20 state assemblies must give their concurrence before the required constitutional threshold is reached.

The National Assembly had earlier clarified that the State Police Services Bill was the only constitutional alteration proposal transmitted to the state assemblies at this stage. Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said the decision to prioritise the bill followed widespread concerns over insecurity and public demands for reforms to Nigeria's policing structure. Other constitutional alteration bills are expected to be transmitted after they are passed in identical form by both chambers of the National Assembly.

The State Police proposal has already received approval in Osun State, which became the first state to formally endorse the amendment. The Osun State House of Assembly approved the proposal unanimously after lawmakers considered the request from the National Assembly. Lawmakers supporting the measure said state police could strengthen security at the state and local government levels and improve responses to local security challenges.

Oyo State subsequently joined Osun after its House of Assembly approved the bill following clause-by-clause consideration. Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin said the proposed amendment would fundamentally restructure Nigeria's policing architecture by providing for Federal Police Services alongside State Police Services. Under the proposal, states would be able to establish their own police services through legislation passed by their Houses of Assembly.

In Rivers State, all 25 members present at the House of Assembly voted in favour of the proposed constitutional alteration, with no vote against and no abstention. Speaker Martin Amaewhule said the state legislature supported the introduction of policing at the sub-national level as a way of complementing the Federal Police and improving the protection of lives and property.

Edo State is the fourth state confirmed to have approved the amendment. Meanwhile, several other state assemblies are at different stages of considering the proposal. Some have begun formal legislative processes, while others are studying the document or waiting for it to be formally presented to their lawmakers.

Across the South-West, Osun and Oyo have approved the proposal, while Ondo, Ekiti and Ogun remain at various stages of consideration. Ondo has received and begun examining the document, while Ogun has constituted a committee to study the proposal before a final decision is taken.

In the South-South, Rivers and Edo have approved the amendment, while other states are still considering their positions. The Rivers Assembly's approval was particularly notable because the lawmakers voted unanimously in support of the proposal.

The process has also been slower in several northern states. Some assemblies have acknowledged receiving the bill but have yet to debate or vote on it, while others have reportedly been waiting for formal transmission or further legislative procedures before taking a position. Kano, for example, has commenced deliberation on the proposal, while other northern assemblies remain at earlier stages of consideration.

The South-East has also yet to produce a confirmed approval among the states covered in the latest nationwide checks. Some assemblies have received the proposal but have not completed their consideration. In Abia, for instance, lawmakers were expected to resume from recess on October 6 before taking further legislative action.

04/10/2026

Dangote Urges Nigeria to Boost Local Production and Exports

The Dangote Group has called on Nigeria to strengthen domestic production, reduce dependence on imports and expand exports as part of efforts to build a more resilient and competitive economy. The call was made at the group’s special day during the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, which is being held under the theme, “Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy.”

The group's Regional Director, Hajia Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, said Nigeria's economic resilience would depend heavily on expanding productive capacity and strengthening local supply chains. She was represented at the event by Abdullahi Bello Danmusa, Group General Manager of Dangote Group.

Wali-Abdurrahman said Nigerian businesses are currently operating amid several challenges, including inflationary pressures, exchange-rate adjustments, changes in tax policies and technological disruptions. Despite these challenges, she said the country has an opportunity to strengthen its economy by supporting industries capable of producing goods locally and competing in international markets.

The Dangote Group argued that trade would have a greater economic impact when supported by strong domestic production. The company said excessive dependence on imported goods that Nigeria has the capacity to produce locally can weaken the country's economic resilience, while expanding local manufacturing can create employment, support businesses and reduce pressure on foreign exchange.

The group highlighted its investments across several sectors as examples of its approach to industrial development. These include cement, sugar, salt and seasoning, packaging, fertiliser, petrochemicals and petroleum refining. According to the company, investments in these areas are aimed at increasing local production, developing supply chains and creating opportunities for employment and enterprise development.

Dangote also pointed to the transformation of Nigeria's cement industry as an example of how increased domestic production can reduce import dependence and create export opportunities. The company has expanded its cement production capacity in Nigeria and has increasingly exported cement and clinker to other African markets.

The group's petroleum refining operations were also highlighted as part of the broader push for greater domestic production. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which currently has a stated capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, has contributed to increased domestic refining and a reduction in Nigeria's reliance on imported refined petroleum products.

The International Monetary Fund also noted in its 2026 assessment of Nigeria that refined fuel imports had fallen sharply as the Dangote Refinery increased domestic production, contributing to Nigeria becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products.

Beyond reducing imports, the Dangote Group stressed the importance of turning Nigeria's productive capacity into stronger export earnings. The company said producing competitively for international markets would help Nigeria earn foreign exchange while positioning local industries to compete within Africa and beyond.

The group also called for an investment and regulatory environment that encourages industrial expansion, job creation and exports. Wali-Abdurrahman said taxation remains an important source of government revenue for infrastructure and public services, but argued that the tax environment should be predictable, transparent and efficient enough to encourage businesses to continue investing.

The call comes as Nigeria continues to pursue economic reforms aimed at strengthening domestic production and attracting investment. The country remains heavily dependent on oil revenues, although manufacturing, agriculture, refining and other sectors are increasingly being positioned as important drivers of economic diversification.

The Dangote Group's message at the Abuja International Trade Fair was therefore centred on a production-led approach to economic development. The company maintained that Nigeria's long-term resilience would depend on its ability to produce more of what it consumes, develop competitive industries and increase the volume and value of goods it exports.

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