Nigeria News (Standard)
NIIA Urges Customs to Review Trade Policy for National Security at Lagos Workshop
Dr Godwin Ichimi highlights link between economic policy and security, tasks officers on strategic trade approach
Dr Godwin Ichimi highlights link between economic policy and security, tasks officers on strategic trade approach
The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) has called on the Nigeria Customs Service to urgently review the country’s trade policy in order to strengthen national security and drive economic growth. The call was made in Lagos on Monday during an Advanced Senior Executive Course on Strategic Foresight and Trade Intelligence for Customs leadership, organised by the Bashir Adeniyi Centre for International Trade and Investment (BACITI) under the NIIA.
Speaking at the event, Dr Godwin Ichimi, Acting Director for International Cooperation and Public Affairs at the NIIA, noted that international trade has evolved from merely economic transactions to becoming a key tool for advancing geopolitical interests. Ichimi urged senior customs officers to adopt forward-thinking strategies that would help safeguard Nigeria’s security architecture while boosting economic development.
He explained that global events have exposed weaknesses in existing trading systems, forcing countries to reconsider their long-held economic positions and pursue more strategic approaches. “Trade now serves as a major geopolitical lever, with many nations leveraging their economic strengths to protect national interests,” Ichimi said during his address at the workshop.
According to him, the post-World War II global order was initially set up to prevent conflicts arising from economic rivalries. However, recent developments—especially disruptions in global supply chains and shifting alliances—have revealed vulnerabilities that could threaten national security if not properly addressed through deliberate policy reforms.
Ichimi further charged customs leadership to embrace continuous learning and intelligence gathering as they adapt to these changes. He stated that a robust trade policy will not only protect Nigeria’s borders but also position the country competitively within Africa and globally. The event drew participation from senior customs officials across the federation. The federal government is yet to issue an official response on whether a review of Nigeria’s trade policy is imminent.
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.
Nigeria News (Standard)
UK Court Acquits Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke of Bribery Charges
Ruling in London comes after years of legal proceedings; Nigerian authorities maintain interest in separate corruption investigations
Ruling in London comes after years of legal proceedings; Nigerian authorities maintain interest in separate corruption investigations
A court in the United Kingdom on Wednesday acquitted former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, of bribery charges, bringing an end to a high-profile legal battle that has drawn attention from both British and Nigerian authorities. The verdict was delivered at a London court, where Alison-Madueke had been facing allegations linked to her tenure as petroleum minister.
The acquittal follows years of legal scrutiny and court appearances, with British prosecutors alleging that Alison-Madueke accepted bribes in exchange for awarding lucrative oil contracts during her time in office. The judge ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the bribery allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
Alison-Madueke served as Minister of Petroleum Resources under former President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015, a period marked by repeated claims of corruption and mismanagement within Nigeria’s oil sector. Her arrest and subsequent trial in the UK were closely monitored by Nigerians who have expressed concern over alleged losses running into billions of naira from the sector during her tenure.
While the UK court has now cleared Alison-Madueke of these charges, Nigerian anti-graft agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have stated that she still faces outstanding corruption investigations at home. EFCC officials have previously said efforts are ongoing to extradite her to Nigeria for questioning over separate allegations related to money laundering and abuse of office.
Legal analysts say the UK verdict may not halt local proceedings against Alison-Madueke, as Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws allow for independent prosecution. The outcome is expected to reignite debate over international cooperation on corruption cases involving high-profile officials.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Davido Slams Kano Singer Rarara Over Criticism of World Cup Performance
Rarara alleges Davido’s protest at FIFA event endangered kidnap victims; debate sparks reactions across entertainment industry
Rarara alleges Davido’s protest at FIFA event endangered kidnap victims; debate sparks reactions across entertainment industry
Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has fired back at Kano-based musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara after being criticised for highlighting Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis during his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ceremonies. The dispute, which emerged on Monday, has drawn attention to how artists use international platforms to address national issues.
The controversy started after Rarara publicly accused Davido of exposing Nigeria’s internal security challenges by referencing ongoing kidnappings in his stage outfit at the global football event. Rarara alleged that such actions could put the lives of kidnapped victims in danger by drawing global scrutiny to sensitive security matters.
Davido’s decision to spotlight the kidnapping crisis comes amid rising concerns over abductions, especially in northern states like Kano. His move has been interpreted by some as a call for urgent action, while others, like Rarara, see it as damaging to Nigeria’s image abroad. Entertainment stakeholders say Nigerian artists have increasingly used their platforms to demand accountability from government on issues ranging from insecurity to social welfare.
Speaking in response, Rarara said: “What Davido exhibited was crude behaviour. How can you go and expose Nigeria’s secrets to the world?” He argued that such public protests could make negotiations for kidnapped victims more difficult and endanger those still in captivity. As at press time, Davido had not issued a formal statement but responded through social media channels dismissing the criticism and defending his artistic choices.
Observers note that debates around celebrity activism are likely to intensify as more Nigerian artists gain global recognition. Analysts also caution that balancing advocacy with national interest will remain a complex issue for performers representing Nigeria on international stages.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/davido-slams-rarara-over-world-cup-performance-criticism/
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