Nigeria News (Standard)
MTN Pledges Cash, Airtime Support for Xenophobia Evacuees as Imo Government Promises ₦1m to Indigenes
Telecoms giant and Imo State move to assist Nigerians returning from South Africa following xenophobic attacks
Telecoms giant and Imo State move to assist Nigerians returning from South Africa following xenophobic attacks
MTN Nigeria has announced plans to provide both cash and airtime assistance to Nigerian citizens returning from South Africa due to recent xenophobic violence. The initiative, revealed on Thursday, comes alongside a separate promise by the Imo State Government to give ₦1 million each to indigenes affected by the evacuations.
The support measures were made public as the country continues to receive evacuees from South Africa, following a series of violent incidents targeting foreign nationals in major cities. MTN’s gesture aims to help ease the reintegration process for affected Nigerians, many of whom lost their livelihoods or property in the attacks. In a statement, MTN said it would distribute undisclosed cash sums and airtime credits directly to returnees upon arrival.
The Imo State Government also announced a special relief package for its citizens who were evacuated. According to the statement, each Imo indigene returning home will receive ₦1 million as part of an empowerment programme designed to help them start afresh. Authorities say the initiative is meant to cushion the immediate economic impact faced by those forced out of South Africa due to xenophobic violence.
Xenophobia-related violence in South Africa has led to diplomatic tensions with several African countries. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitated evacuation flights, with hundreds of returnees arriving in Lagos and Abuja in recent days. Many of the evacuees have narrated ordeals of losing businesses and being targeted because of their nationality.
MTN Nigeria’s intervention follows public scrutiny over its parent company’s operations in South Africa. The company said its support for returnees is part of ongoing efforts “to stand with Nigerians during challenging times.” Meanwhile, Imo officials stated that details on how beneficiaries can access the ₦1 million grant will be communicated through designated state offices in Owerri.
With further flights expected in coming weeks, government agencies say they are working with private sector partners and state governments across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to offer support packages tailored to local needs.
Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Arrests Aviation Security Officer, Two Others Over Alleged ₦4.4bn Gold Smuggling Attempt at Lagos Airport
Commission says suspects tried to ferry undeclared gold out of Nigeria; investigation ongoing as agency vows prosecution
Commission says suspects tried to ferry undeclared gold out of Nigeria; investigation ongoing as agency vows prosecution
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an aviation security officer along with two accomplices for allegedly attempting to smuggle gold valued at ₦4.4 billion through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday. According to the anti-graft agency, the suspects were apprehended during a routine security check at the airport while trying to move the gold out of the country without proper declaration.
EFCC officials disclosed that the arrest followed a tip-off about suspicious movements involving airport staff and passengers at one of the terminals. The officers intercepted the suspects with several kilograms of gold concealed in their luggage, which they failed to declare to customs and other relevant authorities as required by Nigerian law.
This incident comes at a time when government has been tightening controls on mineral exports due to concerns over revenue losses from illegal mining and smuggling activities. The seizure underscores persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s efforts to regulate its solid minerals sector and secure more foreign exchange earnings from legal exports.
An EFCC spokesperson confirmed that all three suspects are currently in custody and will be charged after investigations are concluded. “We are committed to curbing economic sabotage and prosecuting all those involved,” the spokesperson said in a statement issued on Thursday. Attempts to reach the suspects’ legal representatives were unsuccessful as at press time.
The commission has indicated it will collaborate with other agencies, including Customs and airport authorities, to strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures around airports nationwide. Industry stakeholders say stricter oversight is needed as illegal mineral exports continue to undermine Nigeria’s economic prospects.
Nigeria News (Standard)
CBN Governor Cardoso Receives 2026 Central Banking Award in London
Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority
Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority
Governor Olayemi Cardoso of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been presented with the 2026 Central Banking Central Bank of the Year Award at a ceremony in London on Thursday. The award, which recognises excellence in central banking practice and leadership, highlights Nigeria’s role in global monetary policy discussions.
The event saw Cardoso join other top financial leaders from around the world as he accepted the prestigious accolade on behalf of Nigeria’s apex bank. The organisers noted that the CBN was selected for its performance and reforms in recent years, though specific criteria for this year’s recognition were not disclosed at the event.
The Central Banking Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for outstanding achievement among financial regulators globally. Past winners have included central banks from both developed and emerging markets, making this year’s award a significant milestone for Nigeria. Financial analysts say such honours can boost investor confidence and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to international best practices in economic management.
While official reactions from other government figures were not immediately available as at press time, observers within Nigeria’s financial sector have welcomed the recognition. Stakeholders point to ongoing reforms under Cardoso’s leadership and efforts to stabilise the naira and strengthen regulatory frameworks.
The CBN is expected to continue engaging with international partners following this achievement, as monetary authorities look to build on recent gains and address ongoing economic challenges. Further statements from Cardoso or federal officials are anticipated in the coming days.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Leaders Urge Protesters to Vacate Oil Facilities After Tinubu’s Intervention
Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins
Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins
Ijaw and Urhobo community leaders in Delta State have appealed to protesters occupying oil facilities in Warri South-West Local Government Area to withdraw, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the ongoing dispute. The call was made on Thursday after federal authorities began mediation efforts aimed at resolving long-standing grievances over the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency.
According to community sources, the affected oil installations had been occupied by demonstrators demanding implementation of a Supreme Court judgment on constituency boundaries. This action, which disrupted operations at several key sites, prompted urgent engagement from both local leaders and the presidency.
The dispute over Warri Federal Constituency has persisted for years, with various ethnic groups raising concerns about political representation and resource allocation in the oil-rich region. The recent protest heightened tension in Delta State’s South-South zone, with stakeholders warning of possible economic losses if oil production remained paralysed.
Leaders from both Ijaw and Urhobo communities issued separate statements urging their youths to stand down while talks with federal officials continue. “We must give room for dialogue now that Mr President has shown commitment to address our demands,” one statement read. The elders also cautioned against further disruptions, noting the strategic importance of oil revenues for Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.
Presidential envoys are expected to meet with representatives of all aggrieved groups in the coming days. Meanwhile, security agencies have maintained patrols around major installations to deter any escalation. Delta State government officials have not issued an official comment as at press time.
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