Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos to Host 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, Sets African First
Event marks Nigeria’s debut as host; Commonwealth Fencing Federation cites strong bid and past success in Africa
Event marks Nigeria’s debut as host; Commonwealth Fencing Federation cites strong bid and past success in Africa
Nigeria has secured the rights to host the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Senior Championships in Lagos, making it the first African nation to stage the prestigious event. The announcement was confirmed by Marie-France Dufour, President of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFF), who highlighted Nigeria’s successful bid and the confidence placed in its capacity to deliver a world-class championship.
The hosting rights were awarded after a rigorous selection process overseen by Commonwealth Sport, which partners with the CFF for the quadrennial competition. According to Dufour, Nigeria’s proposal reflected the unity and aspirations of the wider Commonwealth sporting community. “The CFF enjoys a strong partnership with Commonwealth Sport, which has consistently expressed confidence in our robust selection process. Nigeria’s bid was selected through this process, reflecting the spirit of the Commonwealth,” Dufour explained.
This will be the first time that Africa hosts the Senior Championships, although South Africa previously hosted a junior edition in 2015. That experience, according to Dufour, provided valuable lessons and gave organisers assurance that Nigeria could replicate similar success at senior level. The decision is seen as significant for Nigerian sport and for fencing across West Africa, given that hosting major international tournaments is expected to boost local participation and visibility of the sport.
Dufour noted that Nigeria’s track record in organising international sporting events contributed to its selection. “That successful experience gave us confidence that similar success could be achieved in Nigeria,” she said. She added that staging such an event would help develop fencing infrastructure and inspire a new generation of athletes across Africa.
Preparations for the 2026 championship are expected to commence later this year with stakeholders from both government and private sector engaged in planning logistics and facilities upgrades. Officials say they anticipate strong turnout from member nations and hope this milestone will further position Nigeria as a key player in global fencing.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/nigeria-has-potential-to-rank-among-worlds-best-fencing-nations/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Denies Plans to Introduce New Telecoms and Fuel Taxes Nationwide
Presidency dismisses reports of proposed levies on fuel and telecoms, urges public to ignore speculation
Presidency dismisses reports of proposed levies on fuel and telecoms, urges public to ignore speculation
The Federal Government has debunked claims circulating online about plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications and fuel across Nigeria. The clarification was made on Wednesday, 17 June, following widespread reports alleging imminent policy changes affecting the cost of telecom services and petrol.
Authorities moved swiftly to address growing public concern as rumours about possible hikes in telecoms tariffs and fuel prices gained traction on social media. Many Nigerians had expressed fears that such taxes would worsen the economic burden already facing households amid high inflation.
The government’s position comes at a time when citizens are grappling with persistent increases in the prices of essential goods and services. With inflation rates remaining in double digits, any suggestion of additional taxes sparks anxiety among businesses and consumers alike. The telecoms sector, a major driver of Nigeria’s digital economy, would have been particularly affected by such fiscal moves.
Responding to the reports, the Presidency categorically stated there are no plans to impose new taxes on either fuel or telecommunications. Officials urged Nigerians to disregard unsubstantiated claims and assured that any significant changes in government tax policy would be communicated transparently through official channels. No opposition party or independent experts had issued statements as at press time.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to stabilising the economy without imposing extra hardship on citizens. Economic analysts say ongoing reforms should focus on improving tax compliance and widening the revenue base rather than introducing new levies in critical sectors.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Xenergi Launches Tender Offer for Premier Paints Minority Shares in Ogun State Takeover Move
Offer comes after Xenergi’s emergence as core investor, signaling major ownership shift in Nigeria’s paint industry
Offer comes after Xenergi’s emergence as core investor, signaling major ownership shift in Nigeria’s paint industry
Xenergi, the new core investor in Premier Paints Plc, has initiated a tender offer for the company’s minority shares as part of a fresh ownership restructuring in Ogun State. The move was confirmed on Wednesday, 17 June, as Xenergi seeks to consolidate its position following its recent acquisition of controlling interest in the leading Nigerian paint manufacturer.
According to details made available, Xenergi’s tender offer is targeted at shareholders holding minority stakes, with the aim of acquiring additional shares to strengthen its grip on Premier Paints’ operations. This development follows Xenergi’s earlier stake purchase that positioned it as the largest single shareholder in the company. The transaction is expected to trigger a significant change in Premier Paints’ board and management structure.
Premier Paints Plc, based in Ogun State and listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), has faced stiff competition from bigger players within the manufacturing sector. Industry analysts say Xenergi’s entry could signal renewed investment and possible turnaround for the company, which has struggled with market share and operational challenges over recent years.
The management of Premier Paints confirmed receipt of Xenergi’s offer in an official statement, noting that all regulatory procedures would be followed in line with NGX rules. “We assure all shareholders that their interests will be protected throughout this process,” a company representative said. Shareholders are expected to receive further communication regarding terms and timelines of the tender.
Market watchers believe Xenergi’s aggressive approach may lead to delisting or a significant reorganisation of Premier Paints, depending on acceptance levels among minority shareholders. Analysts further predict ripple effects across Nigeria’s paints and coatings sector as new capital and management expertise flow into Premier Paints through this transaction.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Zamfara Group Moves to Sue Minister Matawalle over Certificate Allegations
Concerned citizens accuse former Zamfara Governor of using vocational certificate for elective office; legal action imminent
Concerned citizens accuse former Zamfara Governor of using vocational certificate for elective office; legal action imminent
A political storm is brewing in Zamfara State as the Zamfara State Concerned Citizens (ZSCC) announced plans on Monday to take legal action against the Minister of State for Defence and former Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, over alleged irregularities in his educational qualifications. The group made its position known through a statement issued by its leader, Musa Abdullahi, in Kaduna.
According to Abdullahi, ZSCC is challenging Matawalle’s use of a certificate reportedly obtained from the Vocational Training Centre, Bunza, for his previous governorship bid and current ministerial appointment. The group alleges that the said certificate does not meet constitutional requirements for public office holders at state or federal level. “We have concluded consultations and are preparing to approach the court to test the validity of these credentials,” Abdullahi stated.
This development comes amid growing scrutiny of public officials’ academic backgrounds in Nigeria, with similar cases having resulted in court actions and political setbacks for some politicians. ZSCC said their move is motivated by a desire to uphold transparency and accountability in governance within Zamfara and beyond. “Public office is a position of trust that demands honesty, transparency and strict compliance with the law,” Abdullahi added.
At the time of filing this report, Matawalle had not publicly responded to the allegations. The Minister, who represents Zamfara (North-West), served as Governor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC). As at Monday evening, calls seeking comment from his aides were not returned.
Legal experts say if the matter proceeds to court, it could set a precedent for future eligibility screenings across Nigeria’s political landscape. Stakeholders are watching closely as the case may affect both upcoming appointments and electoral contests in Zamfara State.
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