The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has disclosed that Nigeria approved 28 new Field Development Plans (FDPs) valued at $18.2 billion, unlocking an estimated 1.4 billion barrels of crude oil reserves in 2025 alone. On continental outlook, Lokpobiri said Africa spent over 120 billion dollars annually on hydrocarbon imports, describing the figure as a significant drain on the continent’s economy. He called for greater support for the African Energy Bank, headquartered in Nigeria, to mobilise capital for Africa-focused energy development. The minister said international investor confidence had returned, citing major FIDs including Shell’s five billion dollars Bonga North project, TotalEnergies’ 550 million dollars Ubeta project, Shell’s two billion dollars HI project, and Chevron’s 1.8 billion dollars investment in the Panther project. He further revealed that Shell had announced plans for a 20 billion dollars FID, with additional projects expected in the near term.

The company said it has appointed Enrique Lores as its new president and chief executive officer, replacing Alex Chriss, as the board pushes for faster execution in an increasingly competitive payments market. According to a statement released Tuesday, Lores will assume the role on March 1. He has been a member of PayPal’s board for nearly five years and has served as board chair since July 2024. PayPal’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Jamie Miller, will act as interim CEO until Lores officially takes over. The company thanked Chriss for his contributions, including efforts to monetise Venmo and expand buy now, pay later services.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to a dynamic, intelligence-driven and technology-enabled approach in confronting asymmetric threats to Nigeria’s national security. “This approach integrates decisive kinetic action with intelligence fusion, inter-agency cooperation, joint operations with sister services and sustained international partnerships. Our response must therefore be equally adaptive, proactive, intelligence-led and collaborative, leveraging military power alongside technology, whole-of-government coordination and strategic partnerships.”The Army Chief explained that across Nigeria’s geo-political zones, Nigerian Army operations have been deliberately tailored to prevailing threat dynamics. In the North-East, sustained counter-insurgency operations have continued to degrade terrorist capabilities through a combination of offensive manoeuvres, intelligence-driven strikes and population-centric stabilisation efforts. He stressed that contemporary national security transcends territorial defence to encompass economic security, cyber resilience, environmental stability and human security.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Ondo State’s development through infrastructure improvement, enhanced security and economic empowerment, as the state marked its 50th anniversary. Tinubu also emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and strengthening security across the state, describing peace and stability as critical foundations for sustainable development and investment. Your energy, innovation, education and commitment to service are vital to sustaining development and strengthening our democracy. The state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred and sustainable development as the state marked its Golden Jubilee, 50 years after its creation. Traditional and cultural leaders included the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, alongside other monarchs.

The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday said it had arrested eight suspected smugglers with hard drugs, petroleum products and other contraband valued at over N3.319 billion. Other notable seizures during the period under review include four live pangolins intercepted along the waterways of Alapa Creek, Ajilete. Aliyu urged perpetrators of illicit trade to be patriotic enough to change their ways and embrace legitimate trade or face the consequences of their actions, stressing that the resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service remained firm. The controller handed over the seized drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution. He said that between December 10, 2025, and the present, a total of N36.9 million had been recovered.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commenced the construction of the Abuja Leadership Centre of Excellence in Public Governance at the University of Abuja. He expressed optimism that the Abuja Leadership Centre would evolve into a world-class facility capable of producing leaders to serve all sectors of the economy, while also hosting globally renowned speeches, conventions and declarations. Fawehinmi said the Abuja Leadership Centre would serve as a centre of excellence for public governance and leadership, positioned as a national hub for training future leaders who would play key roles in policy formulation and national development. He expressed confidence that TETFund would ensure the timely completion and proper furnishing of the Abuja Leadership Centre so it could be effectively utilised to achieve its objectives. “Today, we further cement our long-standing relationship, and we are happy to say that this Abuja Leadership Centre is a centre of excellence for public governance and leadership.

A United States federal judge has blocked the Donald Trump-led administration from ending legal protections for more than 350,000 Haitians living in the United States, a move that would have exposed them to possible deportation to a country plagued by gang violence. US District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington, DC, on Monday halted the Department of Homeland Security’s attempt to terminate Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Temporary Protected Status is granted to nationals of countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary conditions. Temporary means temporary and the final word will not be from an activist judge legislating from the bench,” she said. In November, the administration again sought to end Haiti’s TPS designation, arguing there were “no extraordinary and temporary conditions” preventing return.

Residents of the Akurmi community in the Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State have raised the alarm over sustained killings and kidnappings by bandits. Maigamo said the attacks were systematic and widespread, affecting several communities within Lere Local Government Area and neighbouring councils. “The killing of Malam Auwal has deeply shaken the Birnin Gwari community,” the union said, describing the incident as part of recurring cases of killings, robberies and theft across the area. When contacted, the Kaduna State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said he would reach out to the affected communities and respond accordingly. This came after 80 worshippers who escaped abduction during a bandit attack on the Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State returned to their homes.

The Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, has declared free meals for staff of the Council. The Chairman made this known at the commissioning of the newly renovated Staff Canteen at the council secretariat. Moyosore said the commissioning marked another step towards improving the well-being and productivity of council staff. Adebanjo said the approved free meals will be for the next two days, commencing immediately after the commissioning.

The Federal Government has again arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN and his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, on a five-count terrorism related charges. The former AGF and his son, arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Tuesday, were accused of abetting terrorism financing in the country and unlawful possession of arms and ammunition. The two defendants pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge when they were read out to them in court. Counsel to the defendants, Shuaibu Arua, SAN, in his submission, sought the leave of the court to make an oral application for the bail of the defendants. He told the court that the defendants have been in the custody of the DSS for over two weeks and were brought to court directly from the hospital.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has suspended the selection of examination towns for candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) who intend to sit the examination in Ekiti State. According to JAMB, the temporary suspension has become necessary to enable the Board restructure the examination towns to ensure closer proximity to candidates, thereby easing transportation challenges on examination days when centres are assigned. ALSO READ: 2026 budget: FG allocates N30.1bn to WAEC, JAMB, NECOHe explained that the 2026 UTME registration commenced before the Board detected certain structural anomalies in the configuration of examination towns in Ekiti state, necessitating urgent adjustments in the interest of candidates. “Consequently, candidates will be unable to select any examination town in Ekiti State while the adjustment process is ongoing. “The board regrets any inconvenience this temporary measure may cause candidates wishing to select examination towns in the ongoing registration exercise in Ekiti State.

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious thug, Auwalu Ali, popularly known as Auwalu Dan Daba, over his alleged involvement in organised thuggery and violent attacks on residents of the state. The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Kano Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police. “In a decisive operation based on credible intelligence, police officers attached to Dorayi Division apprehended a notorious thug, Auwalu Ali, popularly known as ‘Auwalu Dan Daba’, who has been coordinating and organising thuggery groups to attack and rob innocent citizens,” the statement said. “The victim was rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where a police officer selflessly donated blood, thereby saving her life,” the statement said. Commending the conduct of the officers, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Bakori, praised their professionalism and sacrifice.

The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has called on residents of the state to embrace unity, inclusivity and continued support for its development as Imo marks its 50th anniversary. Uzodimma said Imo had made steady progress over the years, noting that the anniversary was a moment to reflect on achievements while looking ahead to greater development. Uzodimma described Imo State as richly endowed with human and natural resources, adding that prudent management and strategic planning had helped sustain growth. “Despite challenging factors and unforeseen occurrences, we have sustained our momentum toward growth, economic stability, and a secured tomorrow,” Uzodimma said. Let us embrace this path with inclusivity and continue supporting the progressive ideals of our dear Imo State,” the governor stated.

Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke has extended heartfelt congratulations to Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Governor of Osun State, as he marks his 75th birthday. In a congratulatory message released by the governor’s Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on X on Tuesday, Adeleke described Prince Oyinlola as a prominent figure in the political history of Osun State whose service has helped shape the state’s democratic journey. “His Excellency, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola served Osun State at a defining period in our democratic journey. His contributions to governance and public service remain part of our collective history. He added that Prince Oyinlola’s years of public service have left lasting impacts on the state and continue to be remembered by many.

The Department of State Services has arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulazeez Malami, on five-count charges of terrorism financing and aiding and abetting terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms. Malami and his son appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja. Eze, prayed the court to remand both defendants in DSS custody pending the commencement of the trial. Justice Abdulmalik ruled that “the court is a court of record” and could only entertain a written application for bail. The case was adjourned to February 20 for a hearing on the bail application and commencement of the trial.