Nigeria News (Standard)
Jigawa Government Approves ₦2.4bn for Greenhouse Projects, Road Compensation and Student Welfare
Approval covers greenhouse technology expansion, compensation for affected landowners, and support for indigent students in Jigawa State
Approval covers greenhouse technology expansion, compensation for affected landowners, and support for indigent students in Jigawa State
The Jigawa State Government has approved the release of ₦2.4 billion to fund new greenhouse technology initiatives, pay compensation to property owners affected by road projects, and provide welfare support for students across the state. The decision was reached during the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday in Dutse.
According to details from the council’s resolution, a significant portion of the funds will be channelled towards the deployment of modern greenhouse farming methods, aimed at boosting agricultural output and creating job opportunities for youths in the North-Western state. Part of the allocation will also go to compensating individuals whose properties or farmlands are impacted by ongoing or planned road construction projects.
The move comes as Jigawa seeks to diversify its economy and reduce unemployment through investments in agriculture and infrastructure. The introduction of greenhouse technology is expected to enhance food security and encourage youth participation in agribusiness.
Officials said that part of the approved budget will be used to support indigent students with scholarships and other welfare packages. The government stated that these interventions are part of its broader agenda to improve human capital development in Jigawa.
The council assured that all disbursements would follow due process and reach intended beneficiaries. Further details on project timelines and beneficiary lists are expected to be released by relevant ministries in the coming weeks.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Approves State Police Bill, Empowers Governors to Appoint Commissioners Nationwide
Move grants state governors power to appoint police commissioners and issue operational directives, stirring debate on security and federalism
Move grants state governors power to appoint police commissioners and issue operational directives, stirring debate on security and federalism
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed a bill paving the way for the creation of state police, granting governors across all 36 states the authority to appoint police commissioners and issue operational directives. The decision was reached during plenary in Abuja, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s long-standing centralised policing structure.
Lawmakers voted in favour of the constitutional amendment after months of deliberation, with the majority supporting devolution of policing powers from federal authorities to state governments. The new framework allows each governor, as chief security officer of their state, to oversee police appointments and command structures directly for the first time since independence.
The move comes amid persistent insecurity challenges nationwide—including banditry, kidnapping and communal violence—fuelling calls for locally-controlled policing as a solution. Supporters argue that state police will improve rapid response to crime and allow for better knowledge of local terrain and threats. However, critics have voiced concerns about possible political misuse by governors and lack of sufficient checks against abuse.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the amendment demonstrates lawmakers’ commitment to address security concerns facing ordinary Nigerians. “This is a bold step towards strengthening our internal security architecture,” Akpabio declared during plenary. Meanwhile, some opposition senators questioned whether adequate safeguards are in place to prevent politicisation of law enforcement at state level.
With Senate passage secured, the bill now moves to the House of Representatives for concurrence before it can be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent. If adopted into law, implementation will require further legislation detailing recruitment, funding and oversight mechanisms for newly-established state police commands.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court to Rule on EFCC’s Forfeiture Bid Against Jailed Ex-Minister Mamman’s Assets
EFCC seeks permanent forfeiture of properties linked to ex-Minister Saleh Mamman, convicted for alleged corruption in Abuja
EFCC seeks permanent forfeiture of properties linked to ex-Minister Saleh Mamman, convicted for alleged corruption in Abuja
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja is set to deliver its ruling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) application seeking the final forfeiture of assets belonging to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who is currently serving a jail sentence. The court fixed the date after hearing arguments from EFCC lawyers on Wednesday, June 24.
The EFCC’s request targets several properties and bank accounts said to be linked to Mamman, who previously served as Minister under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration. Prosecutors allege that these assets were acquired through unlawful means during his time in office. The application follows earlier interim orders allowing the anti-graft agency to seize and preserve the assets pending the court’s final decision.
This development comes as Nigeria continues high-profile prosecutions against former public officials accused of misappropriating public funds. The case against Mamman has drawn public attention due to his ministerial status and the scale of assets involved. Anti-corruption groups say such actions are crucial for deterrence and recovery of looted state resources.
An EFCC spokesperson stated at the hearing that “the commission is committed to pursuing cases against corrupt officials no matter their rank.” Efforts to reach Mamman’s legal representatives for comment were unsuccessful as at press time. The opposition has also called for transparency in asset recovery processes and urged that all proceeds be returned to government coffers.
The court is expected to announce its verdict in coming weeks, a decision that could set a new precedent for asset forfeiture proceedings involving politically exposed persons in Nigeria. Observers say the outcome will be closely watched as a test of government resolve on anti-corruption reforms.
Nigeria News (Standard)
LPPC Shortlists 89 Lawyers Nationwide for 2026 SAN Conferment
Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee unveils candidates for Senior Advocate of Nigeria title; final selection expected in coming months
Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee unveils candidates for Senior Advocate of Nigeria title; final selection expected in coming months
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has released a shortlist of 89 lawyers across Nigeria as candidates for the conferment of the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank in 2026. The announcement was made public on Wednesday, 24 June, with the full list now available for scrutiny by legal stakeholders and the general public.
According to the LPPC, this shortlist represents a major step in the annual process that determines which legal practitioners will be elevated to the rank of SAN, regarded as one of the highest honours in Nigeria’s legal profession. The committee stated that those shortlisted have met initial eligibility criteria and will now undergo further screening and interviews before final approval is granted.
The conferment of SAN is considered significant within Nigerian legal circles, as it symbolises professional excellence and is often a prerequisite for leadership roles in the judiciary and private practice. Each year, lawyers from various states submit applications, which are then reviewed by the LPPC based on experience, courtroom performance, and integrity. The process aims to promote merit while also ensuring regional representation within the senior bar.
With this development, legal observers expect robust discussions within the profession regarding transparency and equity in the selection process. In previous years, some stakeholders have called for reforms to ensure wider access to the SAN title beyond major urban centres such as Lagos and Abuja. The LPPC has assured that due diligence will be observed throughout all stages leading up to the final announcement.
The next phase involves a review of petitions or objections against any candidate on the shortlist before a final list is published later in the year. Successful applicants will be formally decorated at a ceremony scheduled for 2026. The LPPC urged members of the public with credible information about any candidate’s suitability or otherwise to submit their input during this period.
