Saturday, April 18, 2026

Australia Locks Kids Out of Social Media

By
Fortune Temitope
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Beginning December 10, 2025, children under the age of 16 in Australia are officially barred from accessing major social-media platforms, as the country becomes the first in the world to enforce a nationwide age-minimum rule under the amended Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024.

Under the new regulatory framework, ten of the largest social-media networks — including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Threads, Twitch and Kick — are required to prevent users under 16 from holding accounts. Those platforms must take “reasonable steps” to enforce the restriction or face fines of up to A$49.5 million (roughly US$33 million).

Already, some companies have begun implementing the measures. Under-16 Australians logging into previously active accounts are being greeted with lock-out screens, while others are being prompted to verify their age or download their data before deletion.

The move has stirred a spectrum of reactions across the country. Federal leaders frame the laws as a bold step in protecting children’s mental health and digital safety. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the legislation as “a major cultural shift,” urging young people to use the holiday period for offline activities instead of endless scrolling.

Many parents and child-safety advocates welcomed the ban, seeing it as necessary to shield minors from cyberbullying, addictive social-media features and online harms. Yet not everyone is convinced. Critics — including some teenagers and privacy experts — argue the law may push minors toward unregulated platforms, VPNs, or other workarounds. One Sydney teen, identified in media reports, warned that although banning apps won’t eliminate harmful content, it could force kids to find less safe corners of the internet.

Concerns have also been raised about the social and psychological impact on youths, especially those in remote or rural communities who often rely on social media to maintain contact with friends.

Meanwhile, enforcement remains a work in progress. The government concedes that age-verification systems — which may include facial recognition, document checks or behavioural-analysis tools — are imperfect and may not catch all under-age users at once.

NNPC E&P Sets 36-Year Production Record at 355,000 bpd

By
Kazeem Busari
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NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), the upstream subsidiary of NNPC Limited, has achieved a landmark crude oil production figure of 355,000 barrels per day (bpd) — the company’s highest output since 1989 and a significant boost for Nigeria’s efforts to stabilise and expand its petroleum industry.

In a statement announcing the development, NNPC Limited described the milestone, recorded on December 1, 2025, as clear evidence that ongoing reforms across the corporation’s upstream operations are beginning to yield measurable results. The company noted that NEPL’s average daily production climbed from 203,000 bpd in 2023 to 312,000 bpd in 2025, representing a 52 percent rise driven by operational efficiency, improved asset management, and strengthened partnerships.

Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, said the achievement reflects a broader shift towards disciplined, commercially driven performance across the national energy company. “This milestone shows that the turnaround of Nigeria’s upstream sector is no longer an aspiration — it is already happening,” he said. “Our processes, partnerships and technical capabilities are now aligned to deliver consistent, world-class results.”

NNPC added that the record output enhances Nigeria’s standing as a reliable energy supplier, especially at a time when global markets are seeking stable crude sources. Ojulari noted that exceeding internal production benchmarks boosts investor confidence, remarking that the achievement “reinforces trust both nationally and internationally.”

Executive Vice President for Upstream at NNPC, Udy Ntia, stressed that the company’s focus is not only on volume but on responsible and sustainable operations. He said NEPL places strong emphasis on safety, community development and environmental stewardship, adding that “our ambition to grow production is matched by an equal commitment to operate with integrity and responsibility.”

Managing Director of NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, credited the workforce and the company’s cultural transformation for the breakthrough. “Our people, our processes and our principles are the real engines behind this success,” he said. Foucart added that the achievement strengthens Nigeria’s economic outlook by expanding government revenues and contributing to national energy security.

NNPC stated that NEPL’s performance brings Nigeria closer to its medium-term targets of reaching two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million barrels per day by 2030. Industry observers say the milestone could help revive investor optimism, provided that operational discipline, transparency and environmental safeguards remain central to the company’s strategy.

ECOWAS Declares Regional State of Emergency as Coups Surge Across West Africa

By
Kazeem Busari
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, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray

ABUJA — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially declared a state of emergency Tuesday, citing a recent spate of military coups, attempted power grabs and growing insecurity across the region. The announcement came during the 55th ordinary session of the bloc’s Mediation and Security Council at ministerial level, convened in Abuja.

Addressing ministers and diplomats, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray described the wave of unconstitutional changes of government as “a grave threat to peace and democratic governance.” He warned of “a growing erosion of electoral inclusivity” and pointed to the rising influence of terrorism and banditry across the sub-region.

“Events of the last few weeks have shown the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community,” Touray said, declaring that “our community is in a state of emergency.”

The emergency declaration follows recent political crises across West Africa. The immediate trigger was the foiled coup in the Republic of Benin, where mutinous soldiers briefly seized state media and attempted to dissolve government institutions before loyalist forces — aided by Nigerian Armed Forces jets and regional troops — restored order.

Even before the Benin crisis, the region has witnessed a number of successful coups in countries such as Guinea-Bissau, as well as recurring threats to democratic stability in other member states. These developments prompted ECOWAS to invoke the emergency framework for the first time in recent history.

Under the new state-of-emergency status, ECOWAS leaders are expected to convene in coming weeks for an extraordinary summit to define and roll out concrete measures. Possible actions include strengthened sanctions against coup plotters, accelerated reforms of governance protocols, more frequent mediation sessions, and expanded coordination of regional security — including standby-force deployments where necessary.

In his remarks, Touray emphasized the necessity for more regular Security Council meetings — beyond the customary two sessions per year. “We must confront these threats with the attention they deserve,” he said, stressing the need for pooled resources to tackle cross-border terrorism and banditry that respect no territorial boundaries.

US Wheat Shipment Worth $15 Million Arrives in Lagos

By
Laziz Olatunde
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A bulk carrier loaded with 50,000 metric tonnes of U.S.-grown wheat, valued at about US$15 million, docked at Apapa Port in Lagos this Monday, signalling a deepening agricultural partnership between the United States and Nigeria.

At the port, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), one of the country’s largest food-processing firms, formally received the shipment. The arrival was witnessed by the US Consul General in Lagos, Rick Swart, and U.S. Agricultural Counsellor, Chris Bielecki, who joined Nigerian port officials during the unloading process.

According to the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, this consignment underscores Nigeria’s status as the third-largest global market for American wheat exports.

The shipment arrives amid broader trends of expanding grain imports. Data from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggest that U.S. wheat exports to Nigeria have surged in 2025 — driven by competitive pricing, relative stability in foreign-exchange rates, and growing demand by Nigerian millers.

As of mid-2025, imports of wheat into Nigeria are projected to reach 6.7 million tonnes in the 2025/26 marketing year — a notable increase compared with previous years.

Industry stakeholders say shipments like this one will bolster domestic food processing, support job creation, and provide Nigerian consumers with access to reliable and high-quality wheat for flour, bread, pasta, and other staples — especially as local production continues to meet only a fraction of nationwide demand.

The U.S.–Nigeria agricultural partnership is thus being cast as a strategic axis not only for commercial trade but for wider food security and industrial value-addition. According to estimates from U.S. officials, the bilateral agricultural trade between the two countries is on track to exceed US$700 million in 2025.

US Clears Nvidia’s H200 AI Chip Exports to China, Adds 25% Fee on Sales

By
Kazeem Busari
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US President Donald Trump and China President Xi Jinping

The United States has approved the export of Nvidia’s powerful H200 artificial-intelligence chips to selected Chinese customers, marking a major shift in Washington’s technology-control policy while imposing a 25 percent levy on all such sales.

President Donald Trump confirmed the move on Monday, announcing that he had already informed Chinese President Xi Jinping of the decision. According to him, Beijing responded “positively” to the arrangement.

“I have informed President Xi… that the United States will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China and other countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong national security,” Trump said on his platform, Truth Social. “President Xi responded positively! 25% will be paid to the United States of America.”

The approval reopens a lucrative market for Nvidia, whose Chinese business was hit hard after previous export restrictions blocked access to advanced AI chips. The Department of Commerce will screen all buyers before any shipment, maintaining what U.S. officials describe as a “controlled opening” designed to protect sensitive technologies.

Nvidia welcomed the decision, saying in a statement that the agreement “strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America,” noting that it preserves “high-paying jobs and advanced manufacturing” while keeping the U.S. competitive in global AI markets.

The move represents a sharp reversal from earlier bans on AI-chip exports to China, which Washington justified on national-security grounds. Critics warn the renewed access could accelerate China’s military and technological capabilities, while supporters argue the new 25 percent fee ensures the U.S. retains both economic and strategic leverage.

The approval applies only to the H200 line of processors. Washington has kept restrictions in place on Nvidia’s most advanced Blackwell and upcoming Rubin chips, which remain off-limits to Chinese buyers.

Updated: Nigeria To Deploy More Troops To Benin Republic

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday approved a request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following last weekend’s attempted military coup in Cotonou.

During plenary, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read the letter from Tinubu and confirmed that lawmakers had unanimously consented to the deployment. “An injury to one is an injury to all,” he declared, stressing that instability in a neighbouring state could pose a threat to the entire sub-region.

The presidential letter explained that the intervention aims to support the Beninese government’s efforts to restore peace and stability after a group of soldiers attempted to overthrow the government. The request is part of a broader regional security mission under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and cites Section 5, Part II of Nigeria’s Constitution — including prior consultation with the National Defence Council — as the legal basis for deployment.

The coup attempt occurred on Sunday when a faction calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) seized control of state television in Cotonou and announced the removal of President Patrice Talon. In response, Benin’s regular army, according to authorities, regained control of key installations.

As part of the intervention, Nigeria had already provided air support at the request of Benin’s government. The deployment of ground troops now forms part of a coordinated effort by ECOWAS. A regional standby force drawn from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana has been ordered into Benin to help preserve constitutional order and safeguard territorial integrity, the bloc said.

According to the Metro Standard report, constitutional authorities in Benin have declared three soldiers wanted, including Tigri Pascal, a captain named Ousmane Samary, and Major Captain Sambieri Castro.

Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio — who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State — praised Talon and Benin’s security forces for foiling the coup, and thanked member states for their solidarity. “With normalcy now restored … I commend President Patrice Talon’s leadership and the bravery of the Armed Forces for thwarting the attempted military coup,” he said, adding gratitude for “collective efforts … in defence of democracy and constitutional order.”

With Senate approval granted, the consent letter will be forwarded to the president, paving the way for deployment. The move underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional security and collective defence under ECOWAS.

Morocco Draws Defending Champions Brazil in Challenging 2026 World Cup Group

By
Kazeem Busari
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has handed Africa one of its toughest opening-round challenges yet, with Morocco set to face defending champions Brazil in one of the most high-profile group pairings of the expanded 48-team tournament. The Atlas Lions, Africa’s standout performers in recent global competitions, now carry the weight of the continent’s hopes as they prepare for a showdown with the football superpower.

Morocco’s group, which also includes Scotland and Haiti, is widely viewed as one of the most competitive of the draw, posing a significant test for the African side looking to build on its recent history-making performances. While Morocco have earned global respect for their disciplined style, tactical evolution and fearlessness against top teams, Brazil represent a different tier of sustained football dominance. The South Americans enter the tournament with a renewed squad and the expectation of defending their title.

The challenge for African teams extends beyond Morocco. Across the draw, African representatives were matched against some of the strongest teams, raising concerns about early knockouts amid the larger competitive field. Ghana, placed in the same group as England and Croatia, face a daunting set of fixtures that revive old tensions from past World Cup clashes.

The expanded World Cup format, designed to increase global participation, has also intensified match-ups rather than diluting them. Teams were seeded based on rankings and continental distribution rules, but the randomness of the draw has left several African sides with steep mountains to climb.

The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, but not before six qualification slots are decided. Six groups are still incomplete as the final playoff fixtures approach. These remaining berths will be filled through intercontinental and regional playoff rounds scheduled for early next year, meaning that some African teams may not know their full group opponents until months before the tournament begins.

FIFA officials have noted that this uncertainty is one of the logistical challenges created by the tournament’s expanded structure, but insist the final qualifiers will “enhance global competitiveness.”

South Africa, returning to the World Cup stage with renewed optimism, also face a demanding group assignment. Drawn alongside two former World Cup quarter-finalists, their group promises a blend of physicality and tactical discipline. They face Mexico, Korea Republic and a yet-to-qualify team in Group A.

Senegal and Egypt, two of Africa’s most prominent football nations, also have difficult paths ahead. Senegal, known for its athleticism and cohesion, must contend with France, Norway, and a play-off winner in Group I.

Egypt are in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand. While Tunisia will have an uphill task against The Netherlands, Japan, and a play-off winner among Albania, Poland, Sweden and Ukraine.

APC Disqualifies Omisore, Six Others From Osun Governorship Primary

By
Kazeem Busari
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Senator Iyiola Omisore

The race for the Osun State governorship ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC) has narrowed sharply after the party’s Screening Committee disqualified former National Secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, along with six other aspirants from participating in the December 13 primary election. The development marks a dramatic shift in the internal contest ahead of the 2026 governorship poll scheduled for August 8.

In its report submitted to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja, the committee said the disqualified aspirants failed to meet critical nomination criteria, particularly the requirement for sponsorship by at least five fully registered and financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area. Only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and former Finance Commissioner Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji were cleared to contest the primary.

The committee emphasized that its decision was rooted in strict adherence to procedural fairness and transparency. “Examination of documents and materials: All forms, declarations, supporting materials, and attachments submitted by aspirants were thoroughly reviewed to verify their authenticity and compliance with statutory and party requirements,” the panel stated in its assessment. It added that “each aspirant underwent a structured interview session during which the Committee assessed their knowledge of party rules, personal preparedness, adherence to nomination requirements, and overall suitability.”

Beyond the disqualifications, the committee expressed concern over deepening internal divisions within the Osun APC. It urged the party leadership to initiate an immediate reconciliation process to prevent further factionalisation as preparations intensify for the 2026 election. The panel warned that unresolved conflicts could weaken the party’s chances and stressed the need to present a united front in the coming months.

Supreme Court Strikes Out Osun’s Suit on Withheld LG Funds, Slams FG

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a suit filed by the Attorney General of Osun State seeking to compel the Federal Government to release withheld local government allocations, even as it delivered a stinging rebuke to the Federal Government for violating the constitution.

In a split judgment of six to one, the apex court held that the Osun State Attorney General had no legal capacity to sue on behalf of the 30 local government councils. The court ruled that only democratically elected and properly inaugurated local government officials can institute such an action. The decision effectively struck out the suit marked SC/CV/775/2025, in which Osun had sought ten reliefs, including an order compelling the Attorney General of the Federation to obey earlier court rulings affirming the election of council officials held on February 22, 2025.

Despite striking out the case, the Supreme Court delivered a pointed condemnation of the Federal Government’s actions. In the lead judgment, Justice Mohammed Idris described the withholding of local government funds as a “grave breach” of the 1999 Constitution and its recent landmark decision granting full financial autonomy to local councils. He stated that the Federal Government’s hands were “soiled” by the unlawful seizure of funds and warned that allocations must be paid directly into the accounts of local governments in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Justice Idris also dismissed contempt allegations filed by the Attorney General of the Federation against Osun State, turning the accusation back on the Federal Government. He ruled that the FG itself was in the greater contempt for failing to release the funds as required by law. The justice further held that the Osun Attorney General acted improperly by bringing the suit without proof that he had been formally instructed by the local government councils.

In a dissenting judgment, Justice Emmanuel Agim disagreed with the majority, insisting that the Osun Attorney General did in fact have the authority to file the suit. He strongly criticized the Federal Government’s withholding of funds, warning that the practice was capable of crippling local governance and undermining democracy at the grassroots.

The decision, while procedurally unfavourable to Osun State, reinforces the constitutional principle of local government autonomy and underscores the illegality of federal interference in statutory allocations, setting the stage for further legal and political battles over the country’s troubled federal structure.

Tinubu Appoints New Boards for NADF, Bank of Agriculture, UBEC

By
Kazeem Busari
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President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the full constitution of the boards of three key institutions—the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)—as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural financing and basic education delivery across the country.

According to the statement released by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu reaffirmed Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura as chairman of the UBEC Board, a position he has held since his appointment in July. The President also approved new zonal representatives, including Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem for the South-East and Gift Ngo for the South-South. Other members include Mrs. Ibiwunmi Akinnola representing the South-West, Dr. Meiro Mandara for the North-East, Dr. Abdu Imam Saulawa for the North-West, and Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro for the North-Central. The chairman and members “shall hold office for a term of four years in the first instance,” the statement noted.

At the Bank of Agriculture, President Tinubu confirmed earlier appointments, naming Muhammad Babangida as chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as managing director. The President also approved the appointment of three executive directors and five non-executive directors drawn from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Fatima Garba from Sokoto will serve as Executive Director, Corporate Services; Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi of Borno State becomes Executive Director, Risk Management and Strategy; while Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami from Kwara takes charge as Executive Director, Operations. The non-executive directors include Aminu Malami Mohammed (North-East), Charles Amuchienwa (South-East), Oladejo Odunuga (South-West), Rabiu Idris Funtua (North-West) and Kochi Donald Iorgyer (North-Central).

In the agricultural sector, the President also inaugurated the board of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), following the earlier appointment of Muhammad Abu Ibrahim as its Executive Secretary and CEO in October 2023. Tinubu emphasized that the board members would be “pivotal to the agency’s work,” especially as the Fund—described as an initiative “conceived by farmers and agripreneurs”—moves toward improving access to affordable agricultural financing nationwide.

The NADF board will be chaired by Mallam Bello Maccido, pioneer chairman of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, who represents the North-West and brings over 30 years of experience in financial services. Other members include Dr. Nelson Henry Essien representing the South-South; Amina Ahmed Habib, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, representing the North-West; and engineer-entrepreneur Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola representing the South-West. The North-East is represented by Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman, founder of New Frontier Developments Ltd and former Access Bank non-executive director, while Lufer Samson Orkar represents the North-Central. The South-East slot is filled by Felix Achibiri, Group Director of Genesis Energy Holdings and chairman of DFC Holdings Limited.

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