Former governor and Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle has donated N500 million to supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara.
The Special Adviser to the Minister on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Danmaliki made the disclosure at a news briefing on Friday in Gusau.
Danmaliki said a total of 2,800 APC supporters and beneficiaries drawn from the 14 Local Government Areas of the state received N100,000 each.
He added that 114 political office holders from six local government area of Maradun, Bakura, Talata Mafara, Anka, Bukkuyum and Gummi received N250,000 each.
Media reports indicate that the six benefiting council areas form Zamfara West, are from the minister’s senatorial zone.
Danmaliki said that 80 beneficiaries were also selected from the rest of the area councils including Shinkafi, Birnin-Magaji, Kaura-Namoda, Maru, Zurmi, Tsafe, Gusau and Bungudu.
According to him, the beneficiaries also included the vulnerable, women, youths and the physically challenged.
He said the minister made the package cash to compliment the gesture of other party chieftains that shared food items and clothing materials.
He said the cash would assist beneficiaries meet other obligations in terms of purchases during the holy month of Ramadan.
Senate on Thursday passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, reaffirming its support for his leadership.
This vote is coming on the heels of the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of misconduct.
During Thursday’s plenary, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved the motion, which was seconded by the Deputy Senate Minority Leader, Senator Olalere Oyewumi.
The lawmakers overwhelmingly backed Akpabio, emphasizing their commitment to upholding parliamentary rules and procedures.
Bamidele clarified that the Senate had not received any formal allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio between August 2023 and the present.
He stated that the issue referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics was unrelated to such claims.
According to him, the Senate’s actions are guided strictly by constitutional provisions and not personal grievances.
“The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 60, grants Parliament the authority to regulate its own procedures. The Senate operates within these legal frameworks, ensuring due process and order,” Bamidele stated.
He further acknowledged the public’s right to scrutinize government actions but emphasized that governance must adhere to established protocols for effective service delivery.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, put the confidence motion to a vote, with the majority of senators endorsing it.
The vote comes amid ongoing public debate over Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension following her allegations against Akpabio. However, the Senate leadership insists its decisions are based on parliamentary ethics and constitutional guidelines.
Similarly, the complaint filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York, has continued to raise dust as the Nigerian Senate has defended its decision to suspend the lawmaker representing Kogi Central.
The Senate insisted that it was due to “gross misconduct” and not her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio that led to her suspension.
Recall that while addressing the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference, Natasha alleged injustice and harassment from the powers that be in the Senate.
Moreover, following her presentation, the IPU assured her that it would take necessary steps to address her grievances but stressed the need to also hear the other side before making any official pronouncement.
However, the Nigerian Senate has responded to Senator Natasha’s complaint to the IPU through a letter written by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
The letter was read by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, who is attending the event in an official capacity representing Nigeria.
The Senate letter reads, “Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth months suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
Honourable Ogbara called for a holistic investigation into the allegation by Senator Natasha against the Senator President, Godswill Akpabio.
She maintained that procedures and necessary actions under the Senate rules were observed before Senator Natasha’s suspension.
Last week, the Senate suspended the lawmaker in a move that has continued to generate debates across the country.
She had initially submitted a petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. But the lawmakers threw it out before suspending her even after submitting another petition.
Senator Natasha vowed to continue the fight against “injustice”. But in the wake of the suspension, Akpabio denied the accusations and maintained he has never assaulted women.
Recall that the Natasha face-off with the Senate president started on February 20, 2025, after her seat was changed during plenary
Transcript below of an incredibly powerful and deadly accurate speech in the French Senate two days ago by Mr. Claude Malhuret. This may someday take its rightful place alongside the best of Sir Winston Churchill and President John F Kennedy.
“President, Mr. Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen Ministers, My dear colleagues,
Europe is at a critical turning point in its history. The American shield is crumbling, Ukraine risks being abandoned, and Russia strengthened.
Washington has become the court of Nero, a fiery emperor, submissive courtiers, and a ketamine-fueled jester in charge of purging the civil service.
This is a tragedy for the free world, but it is first and foremost a tragedy for the United States. Trump’s message is that there is no point in being his ally since he will not defend you, he will impose more customs duties on you than on his enemies and will threaten to seize your territories while supporting the dictatorships that invade you.
The king of the deal is showing what the art of the deal is all about. He thinks he will intimidate China by lying down before Putin, but Xi Jinping, faced with such a shipwreck, is probably accelerating preparations for the invasion of Taiwan.
Never in history has a President of the United States capitulated to the enemy, supported an aggressor against an ally, or trampled on the American Constitution, issued so many illegal decrees, dismissed judges who could have prevented him from doing so, dismissed the military general staff in one fell swoop, weakened all checks and balances, and taken control of social media.
This is not an illiberal drift. It is the beginning of the confiscation of democracy. Let us remember that it took only one month, three weeks, and two days to bring down the Weimar Republic and its Constitution.
I have faith in the strength of American democracy, and the country is already protesting. But in one month, Trump has done more harm to America than in four years of his last presidency. We were at war with a dictator, and now we are fighting a dictator backed by a traitor.
Eight days ago, at the very moment that Trump was rubbing Macron’s back in the White House, the United States voted at the UN with Russia and North Korea against the Europeans demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops.
Two days later, in the Oval Office, the military service shirker was giving war hero Zelensky lessons in morality and strategy before dismissing him like a groom, ordering him to submit or resign.
Tonight, he took another step into infamy by stopping the delivery of weapons that had been promised. What to do in the face of this betrayal? The answer is simple: face it.
And first of all, let’s not be mistaken. The defeat of Ukraine would be the defeat of Europe. The Baltic States, Georgia, and Moldova are already on the list. Putin’s goal is to return to Yalta, where half the continent was ceded to Stalin.
The French Senate
The countries of the South are waiting for the outcome of the conflict to decide whether they should continue to respect Europe or whether they are now free to trample on it.
What Putin wants is the end of the order put in place by the United States and its allies 80 years ago, with its first principle being the prohibition of acquiring territory by force.
This idea is at the very source of the UN, where today Americans vote in favor of the aggressor and against the attacked, because the Trumpian vision coincides with that of Putin: a return to spheres of influence, the great powers dictating the fate of small countries.
Mine is Greenland, Panama, and Canada. You are Ukraine, the Baltics and Eastern Europe. He is Taiwan and the China Sea.
At the parties of the oligarchs of the Gulf of Mar-a-Lago, this is called “diplomatic realism.”
So we are alone. But the talk that Putin can not be resisted is false. Contrary to the Kremlin’s propaganda, Russia is in bad shape. In three years, the so-called second largest army in the world has managed to grab only crumbs from a country three times less populated.
Interest rates at 25%, the collapse of foreign exchange and gold reserves, the demographic collapse show that it is on the brink of the abyss. The American helping hand to Putin is the biggest strategic mistake ever made in a war.
The shock is violent, but it has a virtue. Europeans are coming out of denial. They understood in one day in Munich that the survival of Ukraine and the future of Europe are in their hands and that they have three imperatives.
Accelerate military aid to Ukraine to compensate for the American abandonment, so that it holds, and of course to impose its presence and that of Europe in any negotiation.
This will be expensive. It will be necessary to end the taboo of the use of frozen Russian assets. It will be necessary to circumvent Moscow’s accomplices within Europe itself by a coalition of only the willing countries, with, of course, the United Kingdom.
Second, demand that any agreement be accompanied by the return of kidnapped children, prisoners, and absolute security guarantees. After Budapest, Georgia, and Minsk, we know what agreements with Putin are worth. These guarantees require sufficient military force to prevent a new invasion.
Finally, and this is the most urgent, because it is what will take the most time, we must build the neglected European defence, to the benefit of the American umbrella since 1945 and scuttled since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
It is a Herculean task, but it is on its success or failure that the leaders of today’s democratic Europe will be judged in the history books.
Friedrich Merz has just declared that Europe needs its own military alliance. This is to recognize that France has been right for decades in arguing for strategic autonomy.
It remains to be built. It will be necessary to invest massively, to strengthen the European Defence Fund outside the Maastricht debt criteria, to harmonize weapons and munitions systems, to accelerate the entry into the Union of Ukraine, which is today the leading European army, to rethink the place and conditions of nuclear deterrence based on French and British capabilities, to relaunch the anti-missile shield and satellite programs.
The plan announced yesterday by Ursula von der Leyen is a very good starting point. And much more will be needed.
Europe will only become a military power again by becoming an industrial power again. In a word, the Draghi report will have to be implemented. For good.
But the real rearmament of Europe is its moral rearmament.
We must convince public opinion in the face of war weariness and fear, and especially in the face of Putin’s cronies, the extreme right and the extreme left.
They argued again yesterday in the National Assembly, Mr Prime Minister, before you, against European unity, against European defense.
They say they want peace. What neither they nor Trump say is that their peace is capitulation, the peace of defeat, the replacement of de Gaulle Zelensky by a Ukrainian Pétain at the beck and call of Putin.
Peace for the collaborators who have refused any aid to the Ukrainians for three years.
Is this the end of the Atlantic Alliance? The risk is great. But in the last few days, the public humiliation of Zelensky and all the baffling decisions taken in the last month have finally made the Americans react.
Polls are falling. Republican lawmakers are being greeted by hostile crowds in their constituencies. Even Fox News is becoming critical.
The Trumpists are no longer in their majesty. They control the executive, the Parliament, the Supreme Court, and social networks.
But in American history, the freedom fighters have always prevailed. They are beginning to raise their heads.
The fate of Ukraine is being played out in the trenches, but it also depends on those in the United States who want to defend democracy, and here on our ability to unite Europeans, to find the means for their common defense, and to make Europe the power that it once was in history and that it hesitates to become again.
Our parents defeated fascism and communism at great cost.
The task of our generation is to defeat the totalitarianism of the 21st century.
Long live free Ukraine, long live democratic Europe.”
Claude Malhuret speaking to the French Senate Tuesday March 4 2025.
You have just read the transcript of a speech that will live forever in the history books.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on UK steel “couldn’t come at a worse time,” the industry has warned as the levy on U.S. imports is introduced.
The British steel and aluminium industries are braced for the impact of the U.S. president’s tariffs, which came in at midnight in the US, around 0400 GMT.
The UK government is unlikely to immediately retaliate to the 25 per cent import tax, with officials stressing the need for a “cool-headed approach”, after last-ditch efforts to persuade Trump to spare British industry from his global tariffs appeared to have failed.
The European Union announced it would be implementing counter tariffs on 28 billion dollars worth of goods starting on April 1.
Gareth Stace, the director general of trade association UK Steel, branded the Trump administration’s move “hugely disappointing.”
He added: “President Trump must surely recognise that the UK is an ally, not a foe.
“Our steel sector is not a threat to the U.S. but a partner to key customers, sharing the same values and objectives in addressing global overcapacity and tackling unfair trade.
“These tariffs couldn’t come at a worse time for the UK steel industry, as we battle with high energy costs and subdued demand at home, against an oversupplied and increasingly protectionist global landscape.
“What’s more, the EU is also pushing ahead with trade restrictive action that will amplify the impact of U.S. tariffs.”
Stace added: “It is essential that the UK Government not only continues efforts to negotiate exemptions with the U.S. but also takes decisive action to bolster our trade defences.
“We greatly appreciate all the efforts that have been made so far and will continue working closely with our Government to secure the best possible outcome.”
The aluminium industry body had earlier warned the looming import taxes were already having an effect.
Nadine Bloxsome, chief executive of the Aluminium Federation, said: “The UK aluminium sector is already seeing the first impacts of these tariffs.
“The sharp rise in U.S. premiums has created new incentives for scrap exports, raising the risk of significant domestic scrap leakage.
This not only weakens the UK’s recycling capacity but risks undermining our sustainability objectives and circular economy targets.
“Additionally, the uncertainty around potential trade diversion is placing considerable pressure on UK producers, especially as semi-finished goods may flood the UK market at lower costs.
“This could severely destabilise the competitiveness of UK aluminium manufacturers, who are already contending with high energy costs and complex regulatory challenges.”
William Bain, head of trade policy for the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said the decision plunged both countries “into a new age of uncertainty.”
He said: “BCC research shows that 63 per cent of our manufacturing exporters were concerned about the impact of tariffs before their introduction.
“But today’s setback does not mean we have reached the end of the road in terms of negotiations. Tariffs can be lifted at any time.
“Businesses will be looking to the UK Government to continue dialogue, with the U.S., to resolve this situation and restore certainty for firms, which has been badly lacking over recent weeks.”
He continued: “Against this background, a series of tit-for-tat tariffs could easily spiral into an all-out trade war and would do the UK little benefit.
“We must keep talks alive and retaliatory tariffs should only be used as a means of last resort.
“If talks succeed, it would be a win-win, bringing welcome stability and pro-growth economic conditions for both sides.”
The issue was discussed in a call between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump on Monday, and ministers and officials have been in frequent talks with their U.S. counterparts since the measures were first proposed in February.
The UK prime minister’s official spokesman said the government was “engaging closely with the U.S. and we remain prepared to defend the UK’s national interest where it’s right to do so.”
He added: “The Government’s committed 2.5 billion pounds (3.2 billion dollars) of investment to rebuild the UK steel industry and support communities now and for generations to come.”
The government estimates around 5 per cent of UK steel exports and 6 per cent of aluminium exports by volume go to the U.S., although the aluminium industry body said the U.S. market accounted for 10 per cent of exports – valued at 225 million pounds
Trump has previously threatened to impose tariffs on other countries and then relented, but he remains wedded to the overall idea of making the U.S. richer through taxing imports.
In a sign of the U.S. leader’s unpredictable approach, on the eve of the tariffs coming into force, he threatened to double the rate for Canadian metal imports from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, before backtracking at the last minute.
Downing Street said there were “multiple engagements at multiple levels” with the U.S. administration as the Government attempted to spare UK exporters from the tariffs.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alerted Nigerians on the activities of 58 companies operating illegal Ponzi schemes as investment opportunities.
The alert is contained in a statement issued by the EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in Abuja.
The commission said that the companies were neither registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) nor the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), hence, making their operations illegal.
The commission said it has taken legal action against many of the entities, leading to the conviction of five, while another five have pleaded guilty and are awaiting further judicial processes.
The commission listed the companies as Wales Kingdom Capital, Bethseida Group of Companies, AQM Capital Ltd., Titan Multibusiness Investment Ltd., Brickwall Global Investment Ltd., and Farmforte Ltd. & Agro Partnership Tech.
Others are Green Eagles Agricbusiness Solution Ltd., Richfield Multiconcepts Ltd., Forte Asset Management Ltd., (Biss Networks Nigeria Ltd., S Mobile Netzone Ltd., Pristine Mobile Network), and Letsfarm Integrated Services.
Others are Bara Finance & Investment Ltd., Vicampro Farms Ltd., Brooks Network Ltd., Gas Station Supply Services Ltd., Brass & Books Ltd., (Annexation Biz Concept & Maitanbuwal Global Venturescrowdyvest Ltd.) and Crowdyvest Ltd.
Also listed are Jadek Agro Connect Ltd., Adeeva Capital Ltd., Oxford International Group and Oxford Gold Integrated; Skapomah Global Ltd., MBA Trading & Capital Investment Ltd., TRJ Company Ltd.; and Farm4Me Agriculture Ltd.
Others are Quintessential Investment Company, Deprinz Global Enterprises, Rockstar Establishment Ltd., SU.Global Investment, Citi Trust Funding PLC, Farm Buddy, Eatrich 369 Farms & Food, and Globertrot Farmsponsors Nig. Ltd.
The commission also listed Farm Sponsors Ltd.; Cititrust Credit Ltd., Farmfunded Agroservices Ltd.; Adamakin Investment & Works Ltd.; ititrust Holding PLC; Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Ltd.; and Chinmark Homes & Shelters Ltd.
Others are include Emerald Farms & Consultant Ltd.; Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Ltd.; Farm 360 & Agriculture Company; Requid Technologies Ltd.; West Agro Agriculture & Food Processing Ltd.
Others are NISL Ventures Ltd. & Estate of Laolu Martins; XY Connect Investment Ltd.; River Branch Unique Investment Ltd.; Hallmark Capital Ltd.; CJC Markets Ltd.; Crowd One Investment; and Farmkart Foods Ltd.
The commission also listed KD Likemind Stakeholders Ltd.; Holibiz Finance Ltd.; Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services; Servapps Nigeria Ltd.; Barrick Gold Mining Company and 360 Agric Partners Ltd.
The anti graft agency assured the public of its continued vigilance in monitoring financial activities across the nation.
The commission said it remains committed to identifying and prosecuting opportunistic and predatory operators who exploit unsuspecting investors.
It advised Nigerians to exercise caution when investing and verify the legitimacy of investment firms through appropriate regulatory agencies before engaging in any financial transactions.
Reaffirms commitment to democracy and global unity
The National Assembly of Nigeria this Monday, joined Commonwealth nations worldwide to commemorate Commonwealth Day 2025.
The theme of this year’s event is “Together We Thrive,” with emphasis on commitment to democracy, peace, and sustainable development.
Observance highlighted Nigeria’s active role in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and its dedication to fostering youth engagement and international cooperation.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Honorable Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mark Esset, Chairman, House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the shared values of the 56-member Commonwealth.
“The National Assembly remains dedicated to strengthening democracy by supporting policies that promote social and economic inclusion, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
We will continue to engage in Commonwealth parliamentary dialogue to share best practices and learn from other nations to enhance our governance,” he stated.
Hon. Esset highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding participation in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
He recalled that the country hosted the 56th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Abuja in 2006.
He noted that Nigeria remains an active player in Commonwealth affairs, with key representatives such as Hon. Tolu Sadipe serving as the West Africa Regional Representative and Hon. Mark Esset as the Branch Representative.
He also commended Hon. Zainab Gimba, who recently completed her tenure as Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP).
The Speaker reiterated the National Assembly’s support for recognizing the CPA as an international organization rather than a UK-registered charity, noting that a bill to that effect has already passed in the UK House of Commons.
He further expressed concerns about political instability in parts of Africa, particularly the resurgence of military rule and the displacement of citizens due to conflict.
He called for stronger Commonwealth cooperation in upholding democratic principles and human rights.
Another important highlight of the celebration was the presence of 60 students from four schools, reflecting the Commonwealth’s commitment to youth inclusion in governance.
Hon. Esset called on the House Committee on Youth Affairs and the Directorate of Inter-Parliamentary Affairs to establish a framework for mentoring young people who participate in such events, encouraging their involvement in legislative activities.
“Our young people are the future of our democracy. We must not only educate them on governance but also empower them through mentorship initiatives like the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI),” he said.
Delivering his remarks, Engr. B.A. Yero, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, who represented Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., emphasized the significance of the Commonwealth Day celebration.
“The theme ‘Together We Thrive’ reminds us that despite differences in geography, culture, and history, we share common aspirations for justice, equality, and progress.
Addressing challenges such as climate change, insecurity, and economic instability requires collaboration,” he stated.
He urged the youth to embrace teamwork and innovation, describing them as agents of positive change in Nigeria and the broader Commonwealth.
As part of the observance, Elder Godwin Okon Ekpenyong, Secretary, Directorate of Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Protocol, delivered the King’s Commonwealth Day Message 2025, originally published on March 9.
The message reflected on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, paying tribute to the 1.5 million Commonwealth soldiers who fought for global peace.
The King emphasized the importance of international cooperation in promoting peace, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
“In these uncertain times, the Commonwealth remains a unique platform where nations—large and small, young and old—come together as one family. Our greatest strength lies in our unity and shared responsibility for a better future,” the message read.
The 2025 Commonwealth Day observance at the National Assembly reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, global cooperation, and youth empowerment.
With strong parliamentary engagement, calls for unity, and a renewed focus on mentorship, the event embodied the spirit of “Together We Thrive,” inspiring a future built on shared progress and inclusivity.
The Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) have called for equal representation and economic empowerment for women in the built sector to bridge the gender gap.
FAN President, Ene Agada, made this call at an event in Abuja marking the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD). The gathering focused on gender equity and inclusion.
The event, with the theme ‘Accelerate Action: Closing Gaps, Creating Opportunities’, brought together female architects and women in the built environment to celebrate, learn, and drive meaningful change.
Agada emphasised the urgent need to bridge gender gaps in leadership, business opportunities, and decision-making roles across all sectors.
“Two critical objectives are ensuring women’s right to speak and teach, and fostering an inclusive society where diversity is reflected in leadership and decision-making,” she said.
She urged women to challenge the status quo, support one another, and advocate for systemic change in organisations and communities.
Ms Dada Alamutu, the keynote speaker, expressed concern over Nigeria’s slow progress in implementing gender-equality policies despite being a signatory to international agreements.
She noted that while progress had been made in entrepreneurship and digital inclusion, true equality required stronger legal frameworks and better policy implementation.
“Women occupy less than five percent of leadership positions in the country. In the corporate sector, only 3.97 percent of women hold senior management roles,” she said.
She also highlighted political under-representation, noting that the 2023 elections saw only four women elected as deputy governors across 36 states.
Alamutu further pointed out challenges in education, as millions of girls remain out of school, particularly in rural areas, limiting their future opportunities.
She stressed that violence against women remains a major concern and called for deliberate action to improve inclusion across all sectors.
Second Vice President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Mobolaji Adamu, stated that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened gender disparities.
Adamu, represented by Chioma Ogboniya, said many women faced job losses, increased domestic violence, and economic insecurity due to the crisis.
“Without firm legislative backing and societal commitment, gender equality will remain an unfulfilled promise,” she added.
She urged stakeholders to take action beyond political and economic spheres to achieve meaningful change.
The Nigerian Anchor reports that grassroots organisations, female leaders, academics, and media professionals were recognised for their efforts in advancing gender rights.
Grace Ike, Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, stressed the role of patriotism in shaping narratives around gender equality.
“Let us not just commemorate this day. Let us make every day count for the women who still struggle to be heard, seen, and valued,” she urged.
Ike called on the media to amplify women’s voices and hold policymakers accountable in the fight for gender equality.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed a new case of Lassa fever in a 31-year-old physician who had recently travelled to the United Kingdom.
NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this in an interview on Sunday in Abuja.
Idris stated that the patient, who was diagnosed in Ondo State, unfortunately succumbed to the disease before the test results confirming the infection were available.
Idris raised an alert on the situation, stressing the need for heightened surveillance and precautionary measures.
He emphasised that the latest case highlighted the persistent threat of Lassa fever in Nigeria and the potential for international transmission.
According to the NCDC’s latest epidemiological report, Nigeria has recorded 2,728 suspected cases and 535 confirmed cases of Lassa fever in 2025, with 98 deaths across 14 states.
“The current case fatality rate stands at 18.3 per cent, indicating the severity of the disease.
“Five states, Ondo 31 per cent, Bauchi 24 per cent, Edo 17 per cent, Taraba 16 per cent, and Ebonyi 3 per cent account for 91 per cent of all confirmed cases.
“The most affected local government areas include Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo.”
He said that the confirmed case involved the Nigerian physician, who travelled to the UK on Feb. 19, 2025, and returned on Feb. 27, 2025.
“He was admitted to a private health facility in Ondo State with symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever.
“Samples were taken on Feb. 28, 2025, but the patient passed away on March 1, 2025, before test results were confirmed.
“The NCDC confirmed the diagnosis of Lassa fever on March 4, 2025.
“Investigation revealed that the deceased had visited his fiancée in Edo State before his UK trip and had also met with family and friends.
“Contact tracing efforts have since been launched in both Nigeria and the UK to curb further spread of the disease.”
In response to the case, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Health, had intensified contact tracing, surveillance, and infection control measures.
“The agency is identifying and monitoring all potential contacts of the deceased, including family members, healthcare workers, and co-passengers on flights.
“Port Health Services are also enhancing surveillance at entry points, particularly airports, while collaboration with UK health authorities ensures cross-border tracking of potential exposures.”
Idris reiterated public health guidelines to prevent further outbreaks, urging Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, control rodent populations, and seek early medical intervention for suspected cases.
He emphasised that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease primarily spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents.
“Human-to-human transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings with inadequate infection prevention and control measures.
“The NCDC continues to monitor disease patterns and deploy rapid response teams to affected areas, with specialised treatment centres providing care for severe cases.
“Public awareness campaigns are ongoing, educating communities on rodent control, food safety, and early symptom reporting.
“In spite of these efforts, Lassa fever remains a significant public health challenge, with high mortality rates and the potential for international spread, as demonstrated by this recent case.”
The Attahiru Bafarawa Foundation, Giving Back Initiative on Sunday inaugurated the distribution of N13.8 million in grants to 276 orphaned mothers and people living with disabilities in Sokoto State to support small-scale businesses.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Malam Lawal Maidoki, Chairman of the initiative, stated that the gesture aligned with the founder’s commitment to alleviating economic hardship among the less-privileged.
“Today, we are beginning the distribution across six local government areas: Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamakko, Kware, Dange-Shuni, and Bodinga,” Maidoki announced.
He explained that 12 beneficiaries were selected from each of the state’s 23 local government areas (LGAs), comprising 10 widows or orphaned mothers and two individuals with disabilities per LGA.
“Each beneficiary will receive N50,000, along with transportation support ranging from N3,000 to N5,000, depending on their distance from the distribution centers,” he added.
Maidoki emphasised that the initiative aimed to provide the recipients with the capital needed to sustain their daily needs and generate income, strengthening the grassroots economy.
Speaking at the event, Sarkin Malaman Sokoto, Malam Yahaya Boyi, commended former Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa for his generosity.
He conveyed the beneficiaries’ appreciation and urged them to pray for the donor, Sokoto State, and Nigeria, especially in this blessed month of Ramadan.
Boyi also encouraged the recipients to make good use of the funds by engaging in productive ventures rather than resorting to begging.
One of the beneficiaries, Shehu Gwiwa, expressed gratitude on behalf of others, thanking the foundation for its support and prayed for Allah’s blessings upon all those involved in the initiative.
Controversial erstwhile Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has been taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegation of stealing N138million.
The anti-graft agency accused her of breaching procurement rules and diverting public funds while distributing the ministry’s 2023 budget.
Kennedy-Ohanenye arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday around 11 a.m. and was still being questioned as of the time of this report.
Sources within the commission claim that donations meant for the P-Bat Cares for Women Initiative were allegedly diverted for personal use.
She has not been granted administrative bail, and investigations are ongoing.
The former minister was among five cabinet members dismissed by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024. Before her removal, she had faced scrutiny from a House of Representatives committee over an alleged N1.5 billion debt owed to contractors.
Lawmakers accused the ministry of awarding contracts outside the approved 2023 budget and diverting funds meant for contractor payments.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) is also looking into the ministry’s handling of funds.
The former minister has denied any wrongdoing, stating in previous interviews that she was not under investigation for fund misappropriation.
