Maiduguri Terror Attacks

President Tinubu directs Service Chiefs to relocate to Borno State.

Nigeria's service chiefs have been directed to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the security situation following Mondays terrorist attacks in the state.

President Bola Tinubu gave the directive yesterday in a statement issued by the state house where he commiserated with the people of Borno, mourned those who lost their lives and sympathised with the injured.

Tinubu described Monday's attacks as “desperate acts of evil-minded terrorist groups” attempting to spread fear, noting that they have remained under pressure from the nation’s armed forces and security agencies.

He lauded the courage and the fighting spirit of Nigerian troops and civilian task forces for successfully repelling coordinated attacks on military positions, calling their actions patriotic and commendable.

The president noted that following a recent security meeting with leaders of the security and intelligence agencies he had approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities.

He therefore directed emergency response agencies to provide proper care for those injured, reaffirming that Nigeria will not tolerate terrorist activities anywhere in the country. 

2027 General Elections

President Tinubu gives political appointees March 31st deadline to resign 

President Bola Tinubu has given political appointees in his administration who may wish to contest elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31st 2026.

The directive was disclosed yesterday in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Dewan Goshit.

According to the statement, the order is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.

A circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, stated that the directive affects all categories of presidential political appointees seeking elective positions.

Those affected include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, as well as directors-general and chief executive officers of federal government parastatals, agencies, commissions and government-owned companies.

The statement added that all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the OSGF on or before the stipulated deadline.

President Tinubu said the move is aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws, promoting transparency in the political process as well as providing a level playing field for all aspirants.

He urged concerned officials to strictly adhere to the directive, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions while ensuring credible elections in the country.

Tinubu U.K Trip

Nigerian President and Wife On 2-Day State Visit

President Bola Tinubu and his wife Oluremi Tinubu are in the United Kingdom on a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

The visit scheduled for today March 18th and tomorrow the 19th will see President Tinubu being hosted by the royal majesties, King Charles the third and Queen Camilla, at the Windsor Castle.

It is the first State Visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in about 40 years.

The Nigerian leader is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with U.K Prime Minister Keir Starmer with discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence and cultural exchange. 

President Tinubu would also participate in engagements showcasing Nigeria's rich culture, the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, as well meet with business leaders and members of the Nigerian diaspora in the U.K.

He is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the visit.

CITAD

 Condemns Continued Detention of Two Nigerians Over Social Media Commentary.

‎The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has expressed deep concern over the continued detention of Sani Waspapping and Abubakar Adamu by the Department of State Services (DSS) over social media commentary relating to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

‎‎In a statement dated March 14, 2026, the organisation says the situation raises serious concerns about the protection of freedom of expression in Nigeria.

‎CITAD explains it considers the actions deeply troubling and inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.

‎The organisation therefore warned that equating the criticism of the policies of the United States or Israel with incitement poses a threat to democratic freedoms.

Tinubu Iftar With The Media

President Tinubu Promises Review of Media Tariffs.

In an effort to support Nigeria's media industry President Bola Tinubu has promised to review tariffs on newspaper production materials and broadcasting equipment to enable the media discharge its responsibilities seamlessly.

The assurance was given yesterday at a meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Press Organisation, Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists at the State House Abuja.

President Tinubu commended media owners, editors, and journalists for keeping Nigerians informed and providing employment for thousands of citizens. 

He also encouraged the press to continue demanding accountability from all tiers of government.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris lauded the President’s leadership and urged media practitioners to carry out their constitutional responsibilities responsibly while holding the government accountable.

The Grand Patron of the Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria, Olusegun Osoba who attended the ceremony gave kudos to the Tinubu led administration’s policies and reforms, emphasising the need for continued collaboration between the government and the media.

On behalf of the Nigeria Press Organisation; the President Frank Aigbogun called on government intervention to review import tariffs on newsprint and broadcast equipment, as well as measures to protect journalists’ jobs from the uncompensated use of editorial content by foreign technology companies.

Looted Drum

 Ivory Coast receives sacred talking drum looted during colonial era from France.

A sacred drum looted by French forces during its colonial rule in Ivory Coast has been returned to the country, more than a century after it was taken.

‎The drum was seized by colonial authorities in 1916 before being taken to France in 1929, where it was put on display at the Trocadéro Museum and later at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris.

The Djidji Ayôkwé (Panther Lion), as the talking drum is called, was welcomed home by members of the Ebrié community, its original owners.

It arrived aboard a specially chartered plane but was not removed from its large wooden crate marked "fragile".

A traditional group of dancers and several local chiefs were at Abidjan International Airport to receive it.

 It is more than three metres (10 feet) long weighing about 430kg and it is carved from iroko wood.

Director of the Museum of Civilizations in Abidjan, Francis Tagro said the drum would be exhibited "in a place of honour in the heart of the national museum".

The return is part of a wider French effort to repatriate African cultural artefacts, a process which began in 2017.

Airport Cashless Access Policy.

 Aviation Minister Threatens To Sack Airport Officials Who Fail To Comply With Directive.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, has threatened to sack airport officials than risk being removed by the President for failing to fully implement the airport cashless access policy.

The minister made this threat during an on-the-spot assessment of the implementation of the hybrid payment system, which began Friday, March the 13th, 2026.

To fast-track the transition, concessionaires have been engaged to modernise airport access gates, with a subcommittee reviewing proposals from multiple operators.

The minister emphasised that once the system is fully automated, no individual including VIPs will be exempted from payment at airport gates, underlining the government’s commitment to fairness and accountability.

He assured that a massive sensitisation campaign will be carried out across the country, to educate travellers and airport users on the new cashless system, as Nigeria moves toward a fully automated and modernised airport payment process.