Page 154 – Independent Digital News Network

Saudi Arabia Frees Three Nigerian Pilgrims Wrongly Detained

IDNNSep 18, 202518.09.20250

Saudi Arabia has released three Nigerian pilgrims detained for alleged drug trafficking after NDLEA investigations proved they were framed. NDLEA chief Buba Marwa confirmed the syndicate planted drugs in their luggage at Kano Airport. President Tinubu’s intervention and diplomatic pressure secured their release after four weeks in Jeddah custody.

FAAC Disburses ₦2.225tn to FG, States, LGs in August

IDNNSep 18, 202518.09.20250

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) shared ₦2.225 trillion among the three tiers of government for August, out of a gross ₦3.635 trillion. FG received ₦810bn, states ₦709bn, and LGs ₦522bn, while oil-producing states got ₦183bn as 13% derivation. VAT and oil royalties rose, but corporate tax and imports weakened.

NECO 2025: 60.26% Pass Rate, Mass Cheating in 13 States Probed

IDNNSep 18, 202518.09.20250

The National Examinations Council (NECO) says 60.26% of candidates in the 2025 SSCE secured five credits including English and Maths. Registrar Prof. Dantani Wushishi revealed mass cheating cases across 13 states involving 38 schools, alongside 3,878 individual malpractice cases. Nine supervisors face blacklisting, but overall malpractice cases declined compared to 2024.

FG Demands Renewed Respect for Flag and Anthem

IDNNSep 18, 202518.09.20250

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to show deeper respect for the national flag, anthem, and pledge as the country marked National Ordinance Day. DG Lanre Issa-Onilu called for patriotic conduct in schools, communities, and offices, stressing that national symbols remain the pillars of Nigeria’s unity and civic identity.

Court Halts NUPENG Strike, Shields Dangote Refinery from Shutdown

IDNNSep 18, 202518.09.20250

The National Industrial Court has issued an interim order restraining NUPENG and truck drivers from disrupting operations at Dangote Refinery. The ruling follows growing tensions over workers’ rights and allegations of anti-labour practices. Justice E.D. Subilim said irreparable harm could occur if refinery activities were crippled, a decision welcomed by Dangote’s legal team.

FG Reintroduces Nigerian History as Compulsory Subject in Schools

IDNNSep 18, 202518.09.20250

The federal government has restored Nigerian History as a compulsory subject from Primary 1 to JSS3, with a new “Civic & Heritage Studies” course for senior students. Officials say the reform will reconnect children to their roots, strengthen unity, and instil civic values, marking the first full return of history education in decades.

Lagos Inferno: Afriland Tower Fire Claims Seven Lives, FIRS and UBA Staff Among Dead

IDNNSep 18, 202518.09.20250

Seven lives were lost in the Afriland Tower fire on Lagos Island, including four Federal Inland Revenue Service staff and unnamed UBA employees. The Tuesday blaze forced desperate escapes, left dozens injured, and paralysed Broad Street. Billionaire Tony Elumelu cut short his U.S. trip to mourn, as questions mount over Nigeria’s urban fire safety.

Rivers Politics After the Emergency: What Tinubu’s Move Means for Oil, Power, and 2027

IDNNSep 18, 202518.09.20250

The end of Rivers State’s six-month emergency marks a dramatic reset in Nigeria’s political chessboard. President Tinubu’s decision to restore Governor Fubara may calm immediate tensions, but beneath the surface lies a renewed battle over oil wealth, party control, and the countdown to the 2027 general elections.

Tinubu Ends Rivers State of Emergency, Orders Fubara Back in Office

IDNNSep 17, 202517.09.20250

President Bola Tinubu has declared an end to the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, restoring Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the House of Assembly to office from September 18. The move closes a turbulent chapter that left the oil-rich state under federal control.

Nigeria Suspends 4% Import Levy After Industry Backlash

IDNNSep 17, 202517.09.20250

Nigeria’s finance ministry has suspended a 4% levy on imports after fierce opposition from businesses and industry groups. Finance Minister Wale Edun said the policy, introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service, threatened trade facilitation, economic stability, and competitiveness. Airline operators and manufacturers welcomed the decision, calling it proof of government’s responsiveness

Nigeria flood alert: Lagos orders relocation as 15 states face high risk

Plateau curfew: Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu under 6pm–6am restriction

Kaduna E-MOTIVE Programme Reports Zero PPH Deaths at 77 Facilities

Saudi Arabia Frees Three Nigerian Pilgrims Wrongly Detained

FAAC Disburses ₦2.225tn to FG, States, LGs in August

NECO 2025: 60.26% Pass Rate, Mass Cheating in 13 States Probed

FG Demands Renewed Respect for Flag and Anthem

Court Halts NUPENG Strike, Shields Dangote Refinery from Shutdown

FG Reintroduces Nigerian History as Compulsory Subject in Schools

Lagos Inferno: Afriland Tower Fire Claims Seven Lives, FIRS and UBA Staff Among Dead

Rivers Politics After the Emergency: What Tinubu’s Move Means for Oil, Power, and 2027

Tinubu Ends Rivers State of Emergency, Orders Fubara Back in Office

Nigeria Suspends 4% Import Levy After Industry Backlash