Kano govt backs Argungu festival motor rally
…promotes made-in-Nigeria vehiclesThe Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cultural festivals that preserve heritage and promote tourism-driven economic growth, as it received participants of the motor rally for the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival. “The most interesting aspect of this motor rally is that all the vehicles being used are assembled in Nigeria. He assured the participants of the Kano State Government’s full support and pledged that security escorts would accompany the convoy up to the Kano border to ensure a smooth and safe passage to Kebbi State. Earlier, the Kebbi State official in charge of transport for the festival, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulaiman, said the motor rally is one of the major pre-event activities for the 61st edition of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival. According to him, increased patronage of locally assembled automobiles would help conserve foreign exchange otherwise spent on vehicle imports.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 12, 2026 13:23 UTC
Shettima departs Abuja for 2026 AU Summit in Ethiopia
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Thursday departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 2026 African Union (AU) Summit. The theme of the summit is: ‘Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063’. It will focus on advancing continental commitments towards sustainable water management, improved sanitation systems, and the broader development aspirations encapsulated in the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework. ALSO READ: Iran nuclear talks must continue — Trump tells NetanyahuWhile in Addis Ababa for the AU summit, Shettima will join other African leaders at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government. Shettima, who is being accompanied by cabinet Ministers and other senior government officials, is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his official engagements in Addis Ababa.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 12, 2026 13:23 UTC
NISO warns of gas supply constraints affecting major power plants
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has notified the general public and all electricity market participants of anticipated gas supply constraints affecting some major thermal power generating stations connected to the national grid. In a statement titled “Anticipated Gas Supply Constraints and Potential Load Management Measures”, the Operator said the situation arose from a formal notification received on the scheduled maintenance shutdown of a major gas supply facility from 12 to 15 February 2026 adding that full gas supply will be restored on Monday 16th February, 2026. The statement added that power stations to be affected directly are Egbin, Azura, Sapele and Transcorp Power Plants as NDPHC Sapele, Olorunsogo and Omotosho Power Plants could experience indirect constraints due to network-wide gas balancing effects. Power stations expected to be directly impacted include Egbin, Azura, Sapele, and Transcorp Power Plants, while NDPHC Sapele, Olorunsogo, and Omotosho Power Plants may experience indirect constraints due to network-wide gas balancing effects. “Power stations expected to be directly impacted include Egbin, Azura, Sapele, and Transcorp Power Plants, while NDPHC Sapele, Olorunsogo, and Omotosho Power Plants may experience indirect constraints due to network-wide gas balancing effects.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 12, 2026 13:23 UTC
FG plans to deliver 2.5m meters — NERC
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has revealed the Federal Government’s plan to deliver 2.5 million prepaid meters and distribution transformer meters as part of an effort to bridge the identified metering gap in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). The commissioner for corporate services (CPS) at the commission, Nathan Shatti, revealed this during a paper presentation titled “Metering Challenges in Nigeria and Government Interventions” at a seminar for organised for judicial officers held in Abuja. The paper discussed the continuous efforts to address the national metering gap as well as the promotion of transparent billing and the elimination of estimated billing for consumers. According to the CPS, the Federal Government, under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), has released the sum of N700 billion to deliver 2.5 million prepaid meters and distribution transformer meters. He also mentioned the World Bank–financed Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) under which 3.2 million meters are planned for deployment, out of which 117,861 have already been installed from the 645,000 meters delivered to the distribution companies DisCos so far.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 12, 2026 13:22 UTC
IFAD: Nigeria leads global push for youth, women investment in agriculture
The 49th Session of the International Fund for Agricultural Development ( IFAD ) Governing Council has concluded in Rome, with Nigeria taking a prominent leadership role in advancing global agricultural development priorities, particularly strategic investment in youth and women. The session opened with the election of Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, as Chairperson of the IFAD Governing Council. Having previously served as Vice Chair, his emergence as Chairperson reflects the strong confidence reposed in Nigeria by Member States, recognising the country’s constructive engagement and leadership in promoting global food security. He noted that such investments would ultimately strengthen global food systems while helping to reduce hunger and poverty. Senator Kyari also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for placing food security at the centre of Nigeria’s national priorities.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 12, 2026 13:22 UTC
Naira strengthens against dollar, closes at N1,350/$ in official market
The naira recorded a modest improvement against the United States dollar on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, closing at about N1,350 per dollar at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM). According to official market data released by CBN’s official foreign exchange platform, the naira traded at an average rate of N1,348.9529 per dollar, with a closing rate of N1,350 per dollar strengthened slightly compared with Tuesday’s average of N1,351 per dollar and closing rate of N1,349.5 per dollar, indicating gradual stability in early-February trading. ALSO READ: Naira gains against Dollar at official, down in parallel marketParallel marketAt the parallel market, the dollar continued to trade at a premium, with Bureau-de-Change operators in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja and Kano quoting rates between N1,425 and N1,440 per dollar. Market summaryNFEM (Official Market)— ~₦1,350 closing rateParallel Market (BDC) — ₦1,425 – ₦1,440
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 12, 2026 13:21 UTC
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un chooses teen daughter as heir, Seoul reveals
North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, has reportedly chosen his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his heir, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS). Ju Ae is the only publicly known child of Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. South Korean intelligence believes Kim may have an older son, though he has never been officially acknowledged or shown in North Korean media. North Korea’s leadership has remained within the Kim family for three generations, and many observers believe Kim Jong Un intends to pass power to his daughter. However, Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, has already demonstrated that women can hold significant authority within the regime.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 12, 2026 13:21 UTC
World Cup 2026 Tickets Hit $143,000 on FIFA Resale Site
(FILES) This photograph shows the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy following the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Play-Off draw at the FIFA's Home of Football in Zurich on November 20, 2025. beIN Sports will broadcast in France all the matches of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, to the detriment of the Ligue 1+ platform, which had nevertheless reached an agreement with FIFA, AFP learned on February 11, 2026 from several sources close to the matter. One category three seat for the World Cup final on July 19 at East Rutherford, New Jersey, meanwhile, was being advertised for an eye-watering $143,750 — more than 41 times its original face value of $3,450. In a few rare cases, though, some ticket prices have actually decreased. “Generally speaking, the pricing model adopted for FIFA World Cup 26 reflects the existing market practice for major entertainment and sporting events within our hosts on a daily basis, soccer included,” FIFA said in a statement. Ticketing has become one of the most controversial issues surrounding the World Cup, with fan groups around the world such as Football Supporters Europe accusing FIFA of a “monumental betrayal” over pricing.
Source:Punch
February 12, 2026 12:42 UTC
Death Notice of KIERAN PUNCH (Cork City, Cork)
The death has occurred ofPUNCH (Cork City): On February 11, 2026, peacefully, in the presence of his loving family and in the tender care of all the staff at St Bernadette’s Ward, Bon Secours Hospital, KIERAN (Chopper) (late of SR Technics, Blackrock). Beloved husband of Jacinta (née Hickey), loving father of Alisha and Emmet and dear brother of Frank, Myra, Patrick, Michael, William, Noel, Leonard and Eamonn. Sadly missed by his loving family, Alisha’s partner Wayne, granddaughter Lillie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and a large circle of friends. Reposing at Sullivan’s Funeral Home, Turners Cross on Saturday (February 14) from 5pm until 6pm. Kieran’s family would like to thank Professor Conleth Murphy and his GP, Dr Brendan Crowley, Douglas Medical Center for all their care.
Source:Punch
February 12, 2026 12:34 UTC
KEDCO seeks urgent federal action over power supply challenges in Northwest
The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has raised alarm over persistent power supply challenges affecting Northwestern states, calling on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and direct the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to prioritise critical transmission projects and maintenance across the region. KEDCO appealed to the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, to ensure improved transmission service delivery and faster execution of ongoing upgrade projects, describing transmission stability as essential for economic and commercial activities. As a temporary measure, the company said it is strategically managing available electricity supply to prioritise industrial clusters, economic hubs, and small-scale businesses to maintain economic balance in affected states. The company commended the governments of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states for increased investments in power infrastructure. KEDCO reassured customers that the current supply challenges are temporary and pledged continued collaboration with relevant authorities and partners to deliver more stable and reliable electricity across the Northwest.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 12, 2026 12:26 UTC
St Louis old girls empower students with AI, robotics training in Ibadan
The St. Louis Old Girls’ Association (SLOGA), Ibadan, has empowered 36 students from their alma mater with digital skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics to prepare them for in-demand careers in tech, engineering, and related fields. Speaking during the close-out ceremony of the training on Wednesday in Ibadan, the President of SLOGA Ibadan Chapter, Mrs Eniola Oyedele, said the training, sponsored by Wema Bank, aimed to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them for real-world challenges. Raheemat Adabanija said the girls had been trained on how to use the embedded system, artificial intelligence, robotics, and other IT skills to carry out projects. This is a very laudable initiative deployed by St. Louis Old Girls’ Association in partnership with Wema Bank to give back to the school. The overall best student, speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries of the training, commended the old students’ association and Wema Bank for the gesture.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 12, 2026 12:20 UTC
CAF begins stadium inspection ahead of AFCON 2027
The CAF technical experts’ visit to the East African countries will also be highlighted by Motsepe’s visit to Tanzania on Friday. “CAF’s inspections form part of a broader strategy to raise standards on and off the pitch across African football. CAF experts will also inspect Amaan Stadium and Fumba Stadium, a venue that the Tanzania Local Organising Committee has earmarked for the tournament. They include Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium and Talanta Sports Stadium, as well as key training sites such as the Ulinzi Sports Complex and the Kenya Academy of Sports. “CAF will continue to work closely with the three host nations, their governments and LOC structures to support delivery planning and ensure that preparations intensify for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania 2027,” the African football governing body added.
Source:Punch
February 12, 2026 11:49 UTC
Technology is Key to Implementing Nigeria's New Tax Laws
The Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, says technology is a crucial factor in the implementation of the new tax laws. Adedeji made the statement on Wednesday during the inaugural convocation lecture at the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area, Oyo State, titled “The Role of Technology in Implementing Nigeria’s New Tax Laws: Challenges, Prospects, and Implications for National Development”. They are quietly redefining how authority operates within the tax system. “One of the most important prospects of a technology-driven tax administration is the ability to expand the tax base without increasing tax rates. The institution’s governing council chair, Yakubu Datti, commended Adedeji for leading the re-engineering of Nigeria’s tax architecture.
Source:Punch
February 12, 2026 11:48 UTC
Hungary's PM tells EU to 'stop funding Ukraine'
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrives to take part in the Informal EU Leaders Retreat at the Alden Biesen Castle, central Belgium on February 12, 2026. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / POOL / AFP)Europe should stop sending money to Ukraine if it is serious about reviving its economy, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday as he headed into talks with EU leaders. “Don’t send your money to somebody else if you need it for your competitiveness, so don’t send the money to Ukraine,” Orban told reporters. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest ally in the EU, the nationalist premier, has consistently expressed scepticism about the European Union’s support for Ukraine. Hungary has frequently been a thorn in the side of EU leaders over Ukraine.
Source:Punch
February 12, 2026 11:03 UTC
Cybercrime Act being used to suppress free speech — NBA president
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe addressing young lawyers at the 2026 NBA Young Lawyers Forum Maiduguri Branch Summit. The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, SAN, has raised concerns over the alleged misuse of the Cybercrimes Act to suppress free speech in Nigeria, describing it as a deliberate muzzling of expression under the pretext of combating cybercrime and defamation. “Free speech is being muzzled in Nigeria under the guise of charging people to court and investigating them for cyber crime and criminal defamation. The NBA president warned that such actions transform the courts into “an oppressive tool.”“This is a violation of the right to freedom of expression and an abuse of the democratic space. Originally enacted in 2015 and amended in 2024, the law seeks to address online fraud, cyberterrorism and related offences.
Source:Punch
February 12, 2026 10:43 UTC