Senior civil servants caution NLC on labour disputes at ITF
The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) has cautioned the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) against actions that could trigger a labour dispute at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). He said that while AUPCTRE represents junior staff at Grade Level 06 and below, SSASCGOC represents senior staff in statutory corporations and government-owned companies. “It is a trite principle that SSASCGOC’s operations are legally based on its registration as an Association under the Trade Union Act of Nigeria. “We expect a labour centre like NLC, and its affiliates, to be better educated on this legal position. We demand that the Nigerian Labour Congress should operate within the ambit of the Nigerian Constitution and not be stampeded by any of its affiliates to cause disharmony between the two Labour centres (NLC AND TUC).”
Source:The Guardian
February 03, 2026 18:36 UTC
Andy Cole Names Maradona Football's GOAT, Snubs Messi
Ex-Man United striker Andy Cole has chosen in the ongoing debate over football’s greatest player, naming Diego Maradona as the best of all time, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Cole, who left United in 1995, two years before Ronaldo joined the club, has always spoken highly of CR7. To still have that hunger and desire – that tells you everything.”But despite his admiration, Cole insists Ronaldo is not the greatest player ever. When asked by ESPN to name the best player of all time, Cole replied simply: “Diego Maradona.”Cole also praised Messi, describing him as one of the best dribblers ever alongside Maradona. When asked about the best striker he ever played against, he named Ronaldo Nazario, the Brazilian legend, as the most complete forward he ever faced.
Source:Punch
February 03, 2026 18:36 UTC
Tinubu receives World Bank delegation at Aso Rock
President Bola Tinubu receiving World Bank delegation led by its Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde. Photo: State HousePresident Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, received a high-level delegation from the World Bank at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The delegation was led by the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde. The meeting comes barely 48 hours after Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hosted a World Bank delegation at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday. That delegation was also led by Bjerde and included Ethiopia Tafara, the International Finance Corporation Regional Vice President for Africa.
Source:Punch
February 03, 2026 18:08 UTC
Police quiz NSCDC officers over Bayelsa resident's death
The Bayelsa State Police Command has begun questioning four personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in connection with the death of Patrick Peresoudei. Peresoudei, a traditional worshipper, had reportedly challenged one Bodmas Kemepadei on social media to “test an AK-47” on him, a statement interpreted as a threat to life. Kemepadei allegedly arrested Peresoudei and his relative, Peresoudei Destiny, 22, with the assistance of NSCDC personnel. Meanwhile, the command has activated its intelligence network to locate and arrest the prime suspect, Bodmas Kemepadei, who remains at large. Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah Daniel, appealed to the public for continued support and urged residents to provide information that could assist the investigation.
Source:Punch
February 03, 2026 18:07 UTC
Birnin Gwari community raises alarm over resurgence of banditry
The Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU) in Kaduna State has said the fragile peace achieved after government-backed negotiations with armed groups in 2024 is now under threat. The statement signed by BEPU Chairman, Dr Isah Muhammad, cited the killing of a former councillor of Gayam Ward, Hon. Auwal Magaji Kwaga, along the Birnin Gwari–Kwaga road as one of the incidents that has deeply shaken residents. The union recalled that the Kaduna State Government’s peace engagements with armed groups in 2024 brought remarkable stability that lasted through most of 2025. BEPU Chairman disclosed that a documentation exercise among affected farmers showed that no fewer than 173 farmers were impacted across multiple wards and settlements.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 17:46 UTC
Three Dog Night’s Chuck Negron, voice behind ‘Joy to the World’, dies at 83
Chuck Negron, a founding member of Three Dog Night whose lead vocals powered hits including “Joy to the World,” “One” and “An Old-Fashioned Love Song,” has died at the age of 83. Negron died of complications from heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at his home in the Studio City neighborhood, according to publicist Zach Farnum. Three Dog Night reunited in 1981, but Negron was dismissed in late 1985 due to recurring drug problems. Negron formed Three Dog Night in 1967 with Danny Hutton and Cory Wells, blending R&B, rock ’n’ roll and doo wop influences. Negron was previously married to Julia Negron and helped raise Oakley Jr. as an infant.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 17:38 UTC
Lagos Assembly stops demolition exercise in Makoko, others
The Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered an immediate halt to the demolition of structures in Makoko and adjoining waterfront communities in the Yaba Local Government Area of the state. The directive followed a meeting with representatives of the affected communities held at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium in the Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja. Adams said the House had resolved that all ministries and agencies responsible for the demolition in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities should suspend the exercise until further notice. “All demolitions in Makoko and its waterfront communities should be stopped with immediate effect until further notice. However, the Lagos State Government had continued to defend the demolition, saying it was carried out to benefit residents of the waterfront communities.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 17:38 UTC
PDP crisis: Wike-backed faction reverses self, announces new convention dates
Barely 24 hours after the Mohammed Abdulrahman-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fixed March 28 as its national convention date, the camp on Tuesday reversed itself. The new dates were decided at a meeting of the Caretaker Committee of the camp, which is backed by Wike. The caretaker committee meeting was held at the Wuye office of the National Secretary of the camp, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. “The National Caretaker Working Committee will consult widely before the announcement of the National Convention Planning Committee. The Ibadan convention had produced the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 17:38 UTC
LAWMA Cracks Down on Illegal Waste Disposal in Lagos
The Lagos Waste Management Authority has seized several waste carts and arrested one individual during an early morning enforcement operation on Lagos Island, as the agency intensified its crackdown on illegal waste disposal. The operation followed targeted surveillance of unauthorised dumping activities in the area. According to a statement issued by the Lagos State Government on its official Facebook page on Tuesday, the carts were intercepted at Isale-Eko at dawn by LAWMA enforcement officers during a coordinated operation aimed at “disrupting unregulated waste movement and preventing the re-emergence of illegal dump points in locations already cleared by the Authority.”The statement added that an individual identified as Muritala Suleiman, a 42-year-old man from Zamfara State, was arrested at about 1:31 a.m. while allegedly dumping waste illegally at Tinubu Square, Lagos Island. LAWMA explained that early-hour surveillance remains crucial, noting that “illegal dumping activities are often carried out during periods of low visibility.”Reacting to the operation, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said sustained enforcement was key to protecting cleaned-up areas from renewed abuse. He said, “The sustained enforcement activities strengthen deterrence and protect stabilised sites from renewed abuse, as Waste Investigation, Surveillance and Enforcement operatives are strategically deployed across the state to eradicate persistent black spots and ensure sustainability along major corridors.”The authority urged residents to comply with approved waste disposal channels and support efforts to keep public spaces clean.
Source:Punch
February 03, 2026 17:33 UTC
Hidden salt in tap water may affect blood pressure — Experts
Experts, in a global analysis, have suggested that drinking water itself could be an overlooked source of salt and one that may quietly raise blood pressure for millions of people worldwide. They found that people exposed to higher salt concentrations in their drinking water had, on average, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure than those exposed to lower salt concentrations in their drinking water. Specifically, systolic blood pressure was approximately 3.2 mm Hg higher, whereas diastolic blood pressure was nearly 2.8 mm Hg higher. Still, along coastlines, it most commonly occurs by saltwater intrusion into groundwater systems, which make up nearly half of the world’s drinking water supply. Taken together, these findings underscore the importance of looking beyond individual behaviours when addressing the risk of high blood pressure.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 17:21 UTC
Nigeria Approves 28 New Oil Field Plans Worth $18.2bn
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.
Source:Punch
February 03, 2026 17:18 UTC
PayPal replaces Alex Chriss with Enrique Lores as CEO
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.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 17:07 UTC
Insecurity: Army adopting intelligence-driven technology approach — COAS
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.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 17:03 UTC
Tinubu reaffirms FG’s commitment to Ondo development
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.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 17:00 UTC
Customs intercepts N3.3bn hard drugs, petroleum products, others
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.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 17:00 UTC