Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Messi Hat-Trick Powers Argentina Past Algeria as World Cup Legend Equals Klose’s All-Time Scoring Record

By
Agency Report
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Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrate his goals against Algeria in their FIFA World Cup fixture. Photo: AP

Lionel Messi turned back the clock with a breathtaking hat-trick as defending champions Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Algeria 3-0 at a packed Arrowhead Stadium on Tuesday night.

The 38-year-old superstar produced a masterclass in front of thousands of jubilant Argentine supporters, scoring all three goals to match Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals and further cement his status as one of football’s greatest-ever players.

Messi wasted little time making his mark on the tournament, opening the scoring in the early minutes after latching onto a clever pass from Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. The Argentine captain doubled the lead shortly after halftime when he reacted quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area before completing his first-ever World Cup hat-trick with a clinical finish moments before being substituted to a standing ovation.

The victory marked a perfect start to Argentina’s title defence and came exactly 20 years after Messi made his World Cup debut against Serbia and Montenegro, a match in which he also found the net.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was left searching for words after another memorable performance from his captain.

“At a loss for words about Leo. What can I say?” Scaloni said. “He’s incredible.”

The three-goal display was the 61st hat-trick of Messi’s remarkable career and his 11th for the Argentine national team. It also extended his scoring streak to five consecutive World Cup matches.

Reflecting on his latest milestone, Messi expressed gratitude for the stage of his career he now finds himself in.

“It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way. What I’m living through now is the cherry on top,” Messi said. “I’m very happy and grateful for this wonderful group. I enjoy it so much.”

The historic night saw Messi become only the second player to score in five different World Cup tournaments, joining long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in an exclusive club. His 16th World Cup goal moved him level with German legend Klose at the summit of the tournament’s all-time scoring chart, with the Argentine now strongly favoured to claim the record outright in the coming weeks.

Messi’s achievement overshadowed impressive performances elsewhere in the tournament on Tuesday. France forward Kylian Mbappé scored twice in his country’s 3-1 victory over Senegal to move onto 14 World Cup goals, while Norway striker Erling Haaland also netted twice in a 4-1 win over Iraq.

Haaland could not hide his admiration for the Argentine icon, posting a simple but emphatic reaction after the match.

“Messi is a madman,” the Norwegian striker said.

Despite concerns over a minor hamstring injury sustained during his club campaign with Inter Miami, Messi showed no signs of discomfort and looked sharp throughout the contest.

“When I’m in good shape,” Messi said, “I give it my all.”

Tuesday’s appearance was another landmark moment in the legendary forward’s career, representing his 200th international match for Argentina since making his senior debut in 2005 at the age of 18. Only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa have made more appearances in men’s international football.

The atmosphere around Kansas City reflected the growing excitement surrounding Argentina’s presence at the tournament. Thousands of supporters wearing Messi’s famous No. 10 jersey filled the stadium hours before kickoff, while fan events across the city celebrated the arrival of the reigning world champions.

Rodrigo De Paul, who provided the assist for Messi’s opening goal, highlighted the influence the captain continues to have on the squad beyond his goals.

“It’s an advantage to have Leo because of how he handles the group and pushes it forward. Because of who he is,” De Paul said. “He doesn’t care about individual records. He prioritizes the group, and for us it’s incredible.”

With Argentina beginning their World Cup title defence in dominant fashion and Messi showing no signs of slowing down, the football world is now watching to see how much further the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner can rewrite the record books before the tournament concludes.

Tinubu Hails Troops for Killing Bandit Leader, Rescuing Ex-Military Spokesman’s Widow

By
Kazeem Busari
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for carrying out two major security operations that resulted in the elimination of notorious bandit kingpin Ibrahim Bastuji and the successful rescue of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, the widow of late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd).

In a statement on Tuesday, the President described the operations as significant victories in the ongoing fight against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country, particularly in Kogi State and neighbouring regions.

Tinubu said the neutralisation of Bastuji, who had been linked to a series of kidnappings, attacks and violent activities that terrorised communities in Kogi and surrounding states, represents a major setback for criminal networks operating in the area.

The President noted that the bandit leader’s activities had inflicted severe hardship on residents over the years, adding that his elimination would help restore public confidence and provide much-needed relief to affected communities.

Rescue operation of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, widow of the slain General.

“I congratulate our gallant troops on this decisive milestone. Nigeria will not surrender any part of its territory to criminals. Those who choose the path of violence against innocent citizens will find no hiding place. This success reflects the renewed determination of our security forces to secure every inch of our land,” Tinubu said.

The President also praised security operatives for the successful rescue of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted following the death of her husband, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information and one of Nigeria’s most respected military officers.

According to Tinubu, the operation that secured her freedom demonstrated the professionalism, courage and determination of the nation’s security agencies in confronting criminal elements.

“The safe return of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar is a source of relief to her family and to all Nigerians. I commend the intelligence coordination and bravery of the officers and men who executed the rescue operation. We owe a debt of gratitude to our troops who risk their lives daily to keep us safe,” the President stated.

The latest developments come amid intensified military operations across several parts of the country as security forces continue efforts to dismantle bandit and terrorist networks responsible for widespread insecurity.

President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies with the resources, equipment, training and intelligence capabilities required to sustain the fight against violent crimes.

He assured Nigerians that the government remains determined to eradicate banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, stressing that no criminal group would be allowed to operate with impunity anywhere in the country.

The President also called on citizens to continue supporting security agencies through the provision of credible and timely information, noting that community cooperation remains vital to achieving lasting peace and security.

The successful operations against Ibrahim Bastuji’s network and the rescue of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar are expected to boost public confidence in ongoing security efforts as authorities intensify campaigns to reclaim communities from criminal elements and restore stability across Nigeria.

Court Rejects Yahaya Bello’s Bid to Halt ₦110.4bn Fraud Trial, Rules FCT High Court Has Jurisdiction

By
Kazeem Busari
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Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in court. Credit: X | EFCC

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has dismissed an application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the ₦110.4 billion alleged fraud case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Maryanne Anenih delivered the ruling on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, rejecting Bello’s request to strike out the 16-count charge filed against him and two co-defendants, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The defendants are facing allegations bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving ₦110.4 billion.

Bello had urged the court to dismiss the charge marked FCT/CR/778/2024, arguing that the FCT High Court lacked the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the matter. He also contended that the proceedings amounted to an abuse of court process because a related charge was already pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

However, prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the application, describing it as a deliberate attempt to delay the trial. He argued that the offences contained in the charge were offences under the Penal Code and therefore fell squarely within the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court.

Pinheiro further told the court that several properties allegedly acquired with proceeds of the offences were located within Abuja, giving the court the territorial jurisdiction required to hear the matter.

Addressing Bello’s claim of abuse of court process, the senior advocate maintained that the case before the FCT High Court was fundamentally different from the one pending before the Federal High Court. According to him, the FCT case centres on allegations of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy under the Penal Code, while the Federal High Court matter relates to alleged violations of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

He argued that the two cases differ both in substance and legal foundation and therefore could not amount to an abuse of court process. The prosecution also noted that the parties involved in both cases were not identical, as Bello is standing trial alone before the Federal High Court but is facing charges alongside two co-defendants before the FCT High Court.

In her ruling, Justice Anenih agreed with the prosecution’s submissions and held that the court possessed the necessary jurisdiction to entertain the charge. She also ruled that the proceedings did not constitute an abuse of court process and dismissed Bello’s application for lacking merit.

The court similarly dismissed an application filed by the third defendant, describing it as equally unmeritorious.

Following the ruling, the trial proceeded with the EFCC calling its 16th witness, Baba Isah Usman Baffa, who testified about the sale of a commercial property at Sherrif Plaza, Abuja.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Chukwudi Enebeli, SAN, Baffa told the court that Ali Bello had approached his company to purchase a shop at the plaza. According to the witness, “he came to our office, made enquiries about the shops and indicated interest in buying one. We gave him the prospective form and the requirements. He met the requirements, we gave him an account number and he made the payment.”

Baffa disclosed that Shop B13 was sold to Ali Bello for ₦66 million. He said an initial payment of ₦40 million was made into the company’s FCMB account, while the balance of ₦26 million was paid later. He added that an allocation letter was subsequently issued and the property formally allocated to the buyer.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel P.B. Daudu, SAN, the witness stated that he could identify Ali Bello if he saw him and confirmed that documents were exchanged during the transaction. He also revealed that he had previously testified concerning the same property before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

When asked whether he knew Yahaya Bello personally, Baffa responded that he knew him only as “a public figure.”

The prosecution later called its 17th witness, estate agent and commodity trader Shenu Bello, who testified about several property transactions allegedly linked to Ali Bello and other members of the Bello family.

The witness told the court that he facilitated the purchase of a property at Plot 1773, Guzape District, Abuja, for ₦48 million and another property at Plot 31, Guzape District, acquired for ₦100 million.

He further testified that a property located at Plot A02/176, Block 488B, Lome Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, was purchased by Dr. Faruk Bello for ₦105 million.

Regarding a property at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Road, Maitama, Abuja, the witness stated that Faruk Bello acquired it from Efab Estate for ₦550 million.

“It was paid in United States dollars, in cash,” the witness told the court, adding that his commission on the transaction was also settled in cash.

The witness also testified about a property at Plot 1981, Dalla Hills, Maitama, where he said he introduced Ali Bello to Metro Dec Construction Limited, the company handling development on the site. He disclosed that he made several payments on Ali Bello’s behalf to the contractor, including ₦5.5 million, ₦9.8 million, ₦8 million and $6,000.

He further informed the court that Ali Bello acquired a property located at Property No. 1058/1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, Abuja, popularly known as Durban Street, for ₦650 million from FSC Food Limited.

“I got him that property at Durban Street, we negotiated the property and it was bought at ₦650 million from FSC Food Limited,” the witness testified.

Following the witness’s examination-in-chief, defence counsel sought an adjournment to prepare for cross-examination. The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the witness had spent less than 20 minutes in the witness box and had not introduced any new issues.

After hearing both parties, Justice Anenih adjourned proceedings until June 17, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.

The ruling marks another significant development in the high-profile corruption case as the EFCC continues to present evidence and witnesses in its bid to prove allegations of financial misconduct against the former governor and his co-defendants.

Nigeria Customs, UAE Authorities Intercept Tramadol Smuggling Attempt at Lagos Airport

By
Fortune Temitope
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Customs Area Controller of the Murtala Muhammed Area Command, Comptroller Godwin Otunla (left) handing over the illicit drug to a representative of the NDLEA in Lagos on Thursday.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has foiled an attempt to smuggle a large consignment of Tap Tramadol 250mg into Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC) in Lagos.

The illicit shipment was intercepted through intelligence-led operations and formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday, June 11, 2026, for further investigation and possible prosecution of those connected to the drug trafficking attempt.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Customs Area Controller of the Murtala Muhammed Area Command, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, described the seizure as another significant breakthrough in the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing campaign against the trafficking of controlled substances and other prohibited items entering the country.

Otunla said the successful interception underscores the Service’s commitment to protecting public health and strengthening national security through proactive intelligence gathering and effective enforcement operations.

According to him, the operation was made possible by timely intelligence and the professionalism of officers attached to the Special WILD Office of the NCS Intelligence Unit. He commended the officers involved for their dedication, vigilance and teamwork, which ensured that the shipment was intercepted before it could reach criminal networks.

The Customs Area Controller also highlighted the critical role played by international cooperation in combating transnational crimes. He specifically acknowledged the support provided by UAE Customs authorities, noting that their technical assistance was crucial in identifying and intercepting the illegal consignment.

“Their assistance was instrumental in identifying and intercepting this illegal shipment, further demonstrating the importance of international collaboration in the fight against transnational crime,” Otunla stated.

The seizure comes amid intensified efforts by Nigerian authorities to curb the influx of illicit drugs into the country, particularly Tramadol, which has been linked to rising cases of substance abuse, criminal activities and public health concerns.

Following the interception, the recovered consignment was transferred to the NDLEA, which is expected to deepen investigations into the smuggling network behind the shipment and determine its intended destination.

Reaffirming the agency’s resolve, Otunla said the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and partnerships with both local and international stakeholders to combat smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

He stressed that the Service remains committed to enhancing inter-agency cooperation and deploying modern enforcement strategies to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and protect citizens from the dangers posed by illicit drugs and other contraband.

The latest seizure highlights growing collaboration between Nigerian and international law enforcement agencies in disrupting drug trafficking routes and dismantling criminal networks operating across borders.

Mbappé Makes World Cup History as France Defeat Senegal 3-1 in Statement Opening Win

By
Agency Report
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France's Kylian Mbappé scores his team's first goal against Senegal at the 2026 World Cup in New York on Wednesday. Photo: AP.

Kylian Mbappé delivered another World Cup masterclass on Tuesday, scoring twice as France kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Senegal in a high-profile Group I clash at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.

The Real Madrid superstar once again proved why he remains one of football’s biggest stars, taking his World Cup tally to 14 goals and moving closer to the all-time tournament scoring record as France secured all three points in front of a crowd of 80,545 spectators.

Despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites, Didier Deschamps’ side struggled to impose themselves during a difficult first half against a disciplined Senegal team led by veteran forward Sadio Mané. Senegal created the better opportunities before the break, with Nicolas Jackson striking the post in the 25th minute after a swift counterattack. Ismaila Sarr also squandered a golden chance in stoppage time when he fired over the crossbar from close range.

France emerged transformed after halftime following a tactical reshuffle by Deschamps, who moved Michael Olise into a more central role. The change immediately paid dividends as the Bayern Munich midfielder began pulling the strings in attack.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute when Olise threaded a superb pass into the path of Mbappé, who timed his run perfectly before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to give France a 1-0 lead.

Olise’s influence continued to grow as France took control of the contest. Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, introduced from the bench, doubled the advantage late in the game after being released by Adrien Rabiot, finishing confidently to put Les Bleus firmly in command.

Senegal refused to surrender and found a lifeline deep into stoppage time when PSG youngster Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back, sparking hopes of a dramatic finish. However, Mbappé quickly extinguished any comeback ambitions with a stunning long-range strike in the 96th minute, sealing a 3-1 victory and capping another memorable World Cup performance.

The French captain’s brace carried extra significance as it elevated him to 58 international goals, making him France’s all-time leading scorer. His 14 World Cup goals also moved him past football legends Pelé, Lionel Messi and Just Fontaine in the tournament scoring charts. Only Brazil icon Ronaldo Nazário, with 15 goals, and Germany’s all-time record holder Miroslav Klose, with 16, now stand ahead of him.

Reflecting on his latest World Cup heroics, Mbappé said: “I’ve not been able to take it all in.” The forward, who scored in France’s 2018 World Cup-winning final and netted a remarkable hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina, continues to build an extraordinary legacy on football’s biggest stage.

France now sit in a strong position to progress from Group I and will turn their attention to upcoming fixtures against Iraq and Norway. For head coach Didier Deschamps, who is expected to step down after the tournament following 14 years in charge, the victory offers a positive start to what could be his final World Cup campaign.

Senegal, meanwhile, will take encouragement from a spirited performance that troubled the two-time world champions for long periods. However, the Lions of Teranga were ultimately punished for failing to convert their first-half chances as Mbappé once again demonstrated his ability to decide matches at the highest level.

No Plan to Scrap NBAIS, FG Insists Amid Viral Social Media Claims

By
Justice Oladapo
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Minister of Education Tunji Alausa

The Federal Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) is set to be scrapped, describing the allegations as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Federal Ministry of Education categorically denied claims that it had initiated or supported any move to abolish the examination body, which oversees Arabic and Islamic education assessments across Nigeria.

According to the Ministry, the reports suggesting that the Federal Government and the National Assembly were considering the dissolution of NBAIS have no basis in fact. The Ministry stated that it had not sponsored any bill before the National Assembly seeking the abolition of the Board, nor had it proposed, endorsed, or supported any policy aimed at undermining the institution’s statutory responsibilities.

“The attention of the Federal Ministry of Education has been drawn to a message circulating on social media and other platforms alleging that the Federal Government and the National Assembly are considering a move to scrap the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS),” the statement said.

The Ministry further described the claims as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded,” warning that the spread of unverified information was generating unnecessary anxiety among students, parents, teachers, religious organisations and other stakeholders within the education sector.

Reaffirming the status of the Board, the Ministry stressed that NBAIS remains a legally recognised examination and certification body operating within Nigeria’s educational framework. It noted that the Federal Government continues to support all duly established educational institutions and examination bodies in line with national education policies, existing laws and the principles of inclusiveness, equity and equal opportunity.

“The Ministry therefore urges members of the public to disregard the publication in its entirety and refrain from sharing unverified information capable of misleading citizens or undermining public confidence in government institutions,” the statement added.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns triggered by online reports alleging that NBAIS could face dissolution as part of proposed reforms in the education sector. The Ministry, however, maintained that no such proposal exists and urged stakeholders to rely solely on official government communications for information regarding education policies and reforms.

The Federal Ministry of Education also encouraged the public to obtain accurate information from authorised government channels, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and the continued development of Nigeria’s diverse educational system.

Oil Plunges Below $80 as US-Iran Deal Promises to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

By
Kazeem Busari
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Oil prices tumbled below $80 a barrel on Tuesday, hitting three-month lows as markets cheered a framework agreement between the United States and Iran expected to end their conflict and restore vital crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, dropped as much as 4-5% intraday to $79.87 before partially recovering to around $80.50. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell even sharper, sliding toward $77 and briefly dipping under $79 in early trading. The declines mark the steepest moves in months, reversing gains fueled by earlier supply disruptions from the conflict.

The sell-off followed announcements of a memorandum of understanding that includes immediate waivers allowing Iran to sell oil and access related services such as banking, transportation, and insurance. A senior U.S. official confirmed Tehran could begin exporting crude promptly upon signing, with broader sanctions relief to follow on an agreed timetable.

President Donald Trump hailed the development on social media, posting that ships should prepare to move and declaring, “Let the oil flow!” He added that the strait would be “completely open” by Friday, signaling a swift resumption of commercial traffic through the chokepoint that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil trade.

The deal extends a fragile ceasefire and aims to halt broader hostilities that erupted in late February with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Those actions had blocked shipments, drained inventories, and pushed prices above $119 at peaks. Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed on state TV that a deal had been finalized.

Analysts caution that full supply normalization could take weeks or months. Mines, damaged infrastructure, and lingering geopolitical risks may delay a complete return to pre-war flows. Energy experts note that while Iranian tankers could move soon, global gasoline prices at the pump may not drop sharply overnight.

Equity markets surged on the news as lower energy costs eased inflation concerns. Wall Street posted strong gains, with the Dow marking a record close in the prior session.

The agreement does not fully resolve all flashpoints, including Iran’s nuclear program and tensions involving Israel and Lebanon, leaving some volatility risks intact. Wall Street banks have already begun trimming price forecasts in response to the expected supply wave.

Court Halts Deregistration of ADC, Others, Slams Judge for ‘Judicial Rascality’

By
Laziz Olatunde
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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has suspended the execution of a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Party (ADC), delivering a stinging rebuke to the trial judge for what it described as a blatant disregard for judicial hierarchy.

In a ruling that could significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections, the appellate court granted a stay of execution of the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Party (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The Court of Appeal faulted the decision of the lower court to proceed with the matter despite an earlier order from the appellate court and the fact that issues relating to the case were already pending before it.

Delivering the ruling, the panel of justices described the action of the trial judge as a direct affront to the authority of the appellate court and the constitutional hierarchy of courts in Nigeria.

The court held that Justice Lifu exhibited what it termed “judicial rascality” by proceeding to hear and determine the matter despite the existence of a subsisting order from the Court of Appeal.

According to the appellate court, the conduct amounted to “the highest form of judicial impertinence.”

The justices further noted that the Supreme Court had previously held that any judge who acted in such a manner was “unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”

Explaining its decision, the appellate court stated: “Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court. The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution.”

The court added that it had a duty to ensure that its orders were respected and enforced by lower courts.

“This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are made. The application for a stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the appellate court ruled.

The development effectively halts any immediate move by INEC to implement the Federal High Court’s order pending the determination of the substantive appeal.

Justice Lifu had earlier ruled that the five political parties failed to meet constitutional requirements necessary for their continued existence as registered political parties in Nigeria. Based on that finding, the court ordered INEC to proceed with their deregistration and bar them from participating in future electoral contests.

However, the Court of Appeal’s intervention means that the status of the affected parties remains unchanged for now, preserving their legal recognition and political activities until the appellate process is concluded.

 

 

 

World Bank Ranks Apapa, Tin Can Among World’s Most Improved Ports as Nigeria’s Trade Surplus Hits ₦7.54tn

By
Kazeem Busari
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Nigeria’s maritime sector has received a major international endorsement as the World Bank has ranked the Apapa Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex among the world’s top 20 most improved ports in its 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), released in June 2026.

The recognition marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and comes amid ongoing reforms aimed at improving port efficiency, reducing vessel turnaround time and strengthening the country’s position as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.

According to the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index, which evaluates global ports based on operational efficiency and the amount of time vessels spend in port, both Apapa and Tin Can ports recorded substantial improvements, earning them places in the global Top 20 Port Improvement category.

The achievement is being viewed as a major validation of the operational reforms and modernization initiatives introduced under the leadership of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho. The NPA has in recent years intensified efforts to improve cargo handling processes, streamline port operations, enhance infrastructure and boost overall efficiency across the nation’s seaports.

The CPPI is regarded as one of the most authoritative global benchmarks for measuring port performance. The index provides a consistent, data-driven assessment of ports worldwide, enabling governments, investors and shipping companies to compare efficiency levels and identify improvements across different maritime gateways.

The latest ranking comes at a time when Nigeria is recording significant gains in international trade. Industry observers note that improved port performance has played a crucial role in facilitating trade flows and supporting the country’s economic growth objectives.

The recognition also follows the Nigerian Ports Authority’s contribution to the country’s growing trade surplus. According to data recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of ₦7.54 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, continuing a positive trend that has seen the country maintain successive annual trade surpluses since 2024.

Newsom Fires Back at Trump, Calls DOJ Investigation a Political Witch Hunt

By
Agency Report
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Gavin Newsom

California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused President Donald Trump of using the U.S. Department of Justice as a political weapon, alleging that a federal investigation targeting him and his wife is motivated by fears of a possible presidential challenge rather than any evidence of wrongdoing.

In a strongly worded statement posted on social media, Newsom claimed that he and his wife had become the latest targets of what he described as President Trump’s “hit list,” following reports that the Department of Justice had been directed to investigate them.

“Today, my wife & I joined Donald Trump’s hit list,” Newsom wrote. “He has directed his Department of Justice to investigate us. They have not found a crime – they are simply trying to find one.”

The California governor, widely regarded as a potential contender for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 2028, suggested that the investigation was politically motivated and linked to speculation about his future political ambitions.

“He isn’t coming after me because of mean tweets, but because I am considering running for President,” Newsom stated.

The latest remarks mark a significant escalation in the long-running feud between Newsom and Trump, two of America’s most prominent political figures who have frequently clashed over issues ranging from immigration and climate policy to federal-state relations.

Newsom further accused the president of targeting him because of his public criticism of the administration, saying, “He hates that I consistently call him out. He is simply the most corrupt President in American history.”

The governor maintained that neither he nor his family had anything to conceal and challenged Trump directly.

“We have nothing to hide. Mr. President, come after me. I am not going anywhere. The country is watching,” Newsom declared.

The controversy comes amid growing speculation about the political landscape ahead of the next U.S. presidential election cycle. While Newsom has not officially declared a presidential bid, he has increasingly emerged as one of the Democratic Party’s most visible national figures, fueling discussions about a possible White House campaign.

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