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Young Nigerians in Lagos Raise Alarm Over Trust and Women’s Inclusion Ahead of 2027 Elections

Activists urge political parties to prioritise gender balance and rebuild confidence among youths before next polls

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Activists urge political parties to prioritise gender balance and rebuild confidence among youths before next polls

Young Nigerians in Lagos have expressed serious concerns about low trust in the electoral process and continued underrepresentation of women, calling on political stakeholders to address these gaps ahead of the 2027 general elections. The issue was raised during a public forum held on Sunday, where participants highlighted the urgent need for reforms that will encourage wider participation and restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy.

The event saw several youth leaders and advocates for gender inclusion voicing frustration over persistent barriers facing women who seek elective positions, as well as a growing sense of apathy among young voters. Speakers pointed to previous election cycles where female aspirants were sidelined during party primaries, and noted that many youths remain sceptical about the ability of politicians to deliver on their promises.

With Nigeria’s population increasingly skewed towards younger demographics, observers say these trends could undermine the legitimacy and vibrancy of future polls if not addressed. “If women are not given adequate opportunities and if young people continue to distrust the system, it will be difficult to achieve meaningful development,” one participant stated during the discussion.

Organisers urged political parties across all regions—including APC, PDP, LP, and others—to adopt internal policies that promote fair representation for women at both state and federal levels. They also called for increased transparency in candidate selection processes, as well as public education campaigns aimed at countering misinformation and voter apathy among young Nigerians.

As preparations begin for the 2027 elections, stakeholders emphasised that rebuilding trust will require concrete action from party leaders, electoral bodies, and civil society groups. They warned that failure to address these issues could result in lower voter turnout and continued exclusion of critical voices from Nigeria’s democratic process.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887564-young-nigerians-raise-concerns-over-trust-womens-inclusion-ahead-of-2027-polls.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

IMF Urges Abuja to Impose Fuel and Telecom Taxes, Projects ₦14trn Revenue Gain

Fund warns hardship may worsen as it recommends higher VAT and stricter enforcement amid rising poverty levels

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21 minutes ago

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June 14, 2026

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Fund warns hardship may worsen as it recommends higher VAT and stricter enforcement amid rising poverty levels

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised government in Abuja to introduce new taxes on fuel and telecommunications services as part of efforts to boost public revenue, according to its latest Article IV Consultation report released on Friday. The proposal, if adopted, could see higher fuel prices and increased costs for airtime and data across Nigeria.

The IMF’s recommendation comes as government faces mounting challenges in funding essential services, with the Fund projecting that a combination of new taxes and tighter enforcement could generate up to 4.6 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product—equivalent to nearly ₦14 trillion over three years at current GDP estimates. The report specifically mentioned raising the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate above the current 7.5 percent and closing loopholes that have allowed some sectors to underpay tax.

However, the IMF also cautioned that any move to increase levies should take into account Nigeria’s worsening poverty levels and widespread food insecurity. “Timing is critical; new taxes must not exacerbate hardship for vulnerable households,” the Fund noted in its assessment. It recommended that a functioning cash transfer system be established before any upward adjustment in fuel or telecom charges is implemented.

Past attempts by government to introduce similar taxes have been met with resistance. In 2022, stakeholders in the telecoms sector—including network operators and consumer groups—successfully opposed a planned five percent excise duty on call and data services. Labour unions have also pushed back against measures that would further raise pump prices after subsidy removal drove up transport and food costs nationwide.

The IMF said improved compliance with existing tax laws could be even more effective than introducing new levies, projecting an additional 3.1 percent of GDP from better enforcement alone. While Abuja has not yet signalled whether it will act on the latest advice, policy decisions in the coming months will likely face scrutiny from both economic experts and ordinary Nigerians struggling with rising living costs.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/imf-recommends-fuel-telecom-taxes-nigeria-2026061411260816689

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Nigeria News (Standard)

NAFDAC Issues Alert in Lagos as US Recalls Children’s Ibuprofen over Safety Concerns

Agency urges parents, pharmacies to check imported stocks following US recall linked to potential contamination risk

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June 14, 2026

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Agency urges parents, pharmacies to check imported stocks following US recall linked to potential contamination risk

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert in Lagos on Sunday, advising Nigerians to exercise caution after United States authorities recalled a batch of children’s ibuprofen due to contamination concerns. The regulatory agency warned pharmacies and parents against administering or selling affected products imported from the US.

According to NAFDAC, the recall in the United States was prompted by fears that some batches of children’s ibuprofen could contain dangerous contaminants. The agency stated that while no incidents have yet been reported in Nigeria, it is taking precautionary measures to safeguard public health by monitoring pharmaceutical imports and urging the public to verify medication sources before use.

Children’s ibuprofen is commonly used in Nigeria for treating fever and pain among infants and young children. NAFDAC explained that contaminated medicines could pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children who may react more severely to impurities. The agency called on health workers, importers, and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious pharmaceutical products encountered in the market.

“We are working closely with local distributors and international partners to ensure that any potentially contaminated products are swiftly identified and withdrawn from circulation,” a senior NAFDAC official said on Sunday. The agency also encouraged pharmacies to review their current stock of imported children’s medicines as at June 2026, especially those sourced from the United States.

NAFDAC assured Nigerians that it will provide further updates as investigations continue. In the meantime, parents are advised not to panic but to consult healthcare professionals if they have concerns regarding ibuprofen or notice any unusual reactions in their children after administration.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/887575-nafdac-warns-nigerians-as-us-recalls-childrens-ibuprofen-over-contamination-concerns.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe Dies in Katsina Bandit Captivity Despite Rescue Efforts

Katsina Government confirms ex-Army spokesman’s death, citing diabetes and hypertension complications after abduction with wife

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June 14, 2026

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Katsina Government confirms ex-Army spokesman’s death, citing diabetes and hypertension complications after abduction with wife

Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, former spokesman of the Nigerian Army, has died while being held by armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The incident occurred after Rabe and his wife, Amina, were abducted on 30 May along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road, with their driver sustaining gunshot injuries during the ambush near Zakin Baure village.

Following the abduction, security agencies and the Katsina State Government launched operations to secure the couple’s release. According to officials, several coordinated attempts were made to locate their whereabouts and negotiate their safe return, but these efforts did not yield results before tragedy struck.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about rising insecurity across northern Nigeria and the persistent threat posed by armed groups targeting both civilians and high-profile figures. Many Nigerians have expressed alarm over the inability of authorities to curb kidnappings and guarantee safety on major highways.

Confirming the development, the Katsina State Government stated that Rabe died in captivity due to complications linked to diabetes and hypertension. In an official statement, government representatives extended condolences to his family and commended security agencies for their efforts. The statement also reaffirmed government’s commitment to intensify operations against armed banditry in Katsina and neighbouring states.

While search and rescue operations continue for other victims of similar attacks in the region, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives. The death of Major General Rabe is expected to increase calls for renewed strategies in tackling insecurity across the North-West.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/how-nigerian-general-died-despite-rescue-efforts-from-bandits/

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