Michael Olugbode
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A seasoned journalists, social critic, political analyst and lover of international politics
Articles by Michael Olugbode
West Africa: Ecowas, AES Move to Salvage Regional Trade, Security Ties
- Joint teams to negotiate cooperation deal after Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger exit The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) have agreed to establish joint working groups to negotiate a cooperation deal, in a move to protect cross-border trade, security collaboration and other regional ties strained by the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS.
ECOWAS, AES Agree To Negotiate Deal To Protect Regional Trade, Security Ties
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) have agreed to establish joint working groups to negotiate a cooperation deal, in a move to protect cross-border trade, security collaboration and other regional ties strained by the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS.
NDLEA Seizes ₦7bn Tramadol at Lagos Port, Intercepts Saudi-Bound Cannabis, Arrests 85-Year-Old WomanNDLEANDLEA Seizes ₦7bn Tramadol at Lagos Port, Intercepts Saudi-Bound Cannabis, Arrests 85-Year-Old Woman
NDLEA intercepted ₦6.98 billion worth of tramadol in Lagos, Saudi-bound cannabis in Kano and arrested an 85-year-old woman in Edo. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 8,725 kilogrammes of powdered tramadol valued at more than ₦6.98 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos and seized a Saudi Arabia-bound consignment of cannabis concealed in a gallon of palm oil at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
NDLEA Seizes ₦7bn Tramadol at Lagos Port, Intercepts Saudi-Bound Cannabis, Arrests 85-Year-Old Woman
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 8,725 kilogrammes of powdered tramadol valued at more than ₦6.98 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos and seized a Saudi Arabia-bound consignment of cannabis concealed in a gallon of palm oil at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
EU, UN Review $500m Nigeria Project Portfolio, Seek Stronger Government Funding
The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) have called on the Nigerian government to mobilise more domestic resources to bridge the country’s development and humanitarian funding gaps. Both organisations warned that international assistance must be matched with stronger national ownership and more effective project delivery.
NHRC Records 338,810 Rights Complaints In September, Raises Alarm Over Child Abuse, Custodial Deaths
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recorded 338,810 complaints of alleged human rights violations across its offices nationwide in September 2026, an increase of 40,867, or approximately 14 per cent, over the 297,943 complaints received in August, as the commission raised concerns over insecurity, custodial deaths, violence against women and children, and threats to civic freedoms.
Nigeria: Foundation Seeks FG Partnership As Screening Flags High Blood Pressure in Communities Across 20 States
Abuja — In Our Mind Foundation, a health and community development organisation, has called on federal and state health authorities to establish a formal partnership with its Healthy Nigeria Movement to expand community screening and improve access to medical care across the country.
NDLEA Urges Global Crackdown On Drug Cartels, Illicit Finance At UN General Assembly
Nigeria has called for stronger international intelligence-sharing, intensified action against illicit financial networks and increased investment in drug-control institutions in developing countries, warning that criminal organisations are exploiting gaps between jurisdictions to expand the global drug trade.
Nigeria Mourns 140 Migrants Killed in Djibouti Boat Tragedy, Calls for Action Against Irregular Migration
Abuja — The Federal Government has expressed condolences to Djibouti following the death of nearly 140 migrants, including 15 children, in a boat disaster off the country's coast, calling for urgent collective action to address the root causes of irregular migration. Nigeria, in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, said the boat capsized between October 8 and 9, 2026, leaving scores of people missing, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Nigeria Elected Into UN Human Rights Council
Abuja — Nigeria has been elected into the United Nations Human Rights Council by the United Nations General Assembly. The country scored 172 votes out of 181 to get a place in the Council of 15 members expected to serve from 2027 to 2029. Other countries elected into the Council are Brazil, Burundi, Dominican Republic, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Nepal, Republic of Moldovan, Ukraine, Uruguay and Zambia.
Nigeria Demands Probe Into Nigerian’s Death In South African Police Custody
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has demanded a thorough investigation into the death of another Nigerian national, Odueze Chimezie Odueze, who allegedly died following torture by South African police officers in Cape Town. The consulate, in a press statement dated October 13, 2026, said Odueze died on October 9 in the Parklands area of Cape Town, describing the incident as a source of shock and distress to his family and the Nigerian community in South Africa.
Nigeria: NHRC Raises the Alarm Over Mental Health Abuses, Says Less Than 3% Covered By Insurance
Abuja — The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised alarm over the treatment of Nigerians living with mental health conditions, warning that inadequate health insurance, widespread stigma and persistent human rights abuses are denying vulnerable citizens access to care and exposing some to degrading and inhuman treatment.
Nigeria: Actionaid Condemns Marriage of 33.4 Percent of Underage Girls, Demands Enforcement of Child Marriage Laws
Abuja — ActionAid Nigeria has called on federal and state governments to strengthen enforcement of laws against child marriage and increase investment in girls' education and rights, warning that early marriage has deprived millions of Nigerian girls of opportunities to determine their futures.
ActionAid Says 33.4% Of Nigerian Women Marry Before 18, Demands Enforcement Of Child Marriage Laws
ActionAid Nigeria has called on federal and state governments to strengthen enforcement of laws against child marriage and increase investment in girls’ education and rights, warning that early marriage has deprived millions of Nigerian girls of opportunities to determine their futures.
Marwa Hails Security Agencies Over Rescue Of 20 Abducted NYSC Members
The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), has commended the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for the successful rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and another victim abducted in the South-east.
NLC, Experts Demand Inclusive Energy Transition To Protect Workers, Host Communities
NLC and energy experts call for worker and community involvement, training and social protection as Nigeria shifts towards cleaner energy. Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and energy transition experts have called for greater involvement of workers and host communities in the formulation and implementation of Nigeria’s energy transition policies. The stakeholders made the call while discussing the need for a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable and low-carbon energy sources.
UNESCO, FG Seek Rules To Protect Privacy, Rights As Neurotechnology Advances In Nigeria
UNESCO and Federal Government seek ethical rules to protect privacy, autonomy and human rights as neurotechnology advances in Nigeria. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the federal government and the scientific community have called for the development of an ethical and regulatory framework to guide the responsible development and application of neurotechnology in Nigeria.
EU Releases €225,000 Aid For 7,700 Conflict-Displaced People In Kebbi
EU releases €225,000 humanitarian aid to support 7,700 conflict-displaced people in Kebbi with cash and protection services. The European Union (EU) has released €225,000, equivalent to about N340 million, in humanitarian assistance to support communities displaced by conflict in Kebbi State. The intervention, announced on Wednesday, will enable the Nigerian Red Cross to provide emergency assistance to conflict-displaced persons in the state over a six-month period.
West Africa: Ecowas Swears in Five Judges As Faye Demands Stronger Public Trust in Regional Justice
Abuja — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday swore in five new judges of its Community Court of Justice, with Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, charging them to strengthen public confidence in regional justice through impartial, credible and independent decisions.
2027: First Lady Oluremi Says President Tinubu Deserves Second Term, Unveils APC Women Campaign Council
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has described her husband as deserving a second term, claiming that President Bola Tinubu administration’s economic reforms are beginning to produce tangible results and deserve the continued support of Nigerians.
North-East Governors Push FG To Restart Borno Oil Exploration, Back Kolmani Revival
North-East Governors urge the federal government to revive Borno oil exploration as the Kolmani drilling project resumes in Gombe State. The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has called on the federal government to revive stalled oil exploration activities in Borno State, even as it commended President Bola Tinubu for the ongoing revival of the Kolmani oil drilling project in Gombe State.
Washington DC Proclaims October 2026 Nigerian American Heritage Month
Washington DC has designated October as Nigerian American Heritage Month to recognise the community’s cultural and civic contributions. The District of Columbia has proclaimed October 2026 as “Nigerian American Heritage Month” and October 1, 2026, as “Nigeria Day” in the city, recognising the contributions of its Nigerian community. The Secretary of the District of Columbia, Kimberly A.
Obi-Kwankwaso Women’s Group Begins Nationwide Mobilisation For 2027 Elections
A women’s support group backing the presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso has commenced a nationwide mobilisation campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, with structures being established across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Nigeria: NSCDC Deploys 3,000 Personnel Across Abuja for Independence Anniversary
Abuja — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory Command, has deployed 3,000 personnel across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of intensified security arrangements for Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The deployment, ordered by the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, was designed to strengthen security, maintain law and order, protect lives and property before, during and after the anniversary celebrations.
Shettima Seeks Private Investment As Nigeria Needs $410bn For Green Transition
Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria needs $410bn additional investment by 2060 and urges private capital for green infrastructure. Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for urgent policy reforms, stronger public-private partnerships, and innovative risk-sharing mechanisms to attract domestic and foreign investment into Nigeria’s green infrastructure. Shettima said the country required about $410 billion in additional investment by 2060 to achieve its net-zero pathway.
Nigeria’s Hubpharm Wins $30,000 ECOWAS Startup Award As Commission Plans $50,000 Top Prize
Nigeria’s Hubpharm wins ECOWAS Startup Award, while the Commission unveils Private Sector Academy and plans to raise the top prize. Nigeria’s Hubpharm Africa and Services has emerged the winner of the second edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Startup Awards, beating other emerging businesses from across the sub-region to claim the $30,000 top prize.
Nigeria: Govt Declares October 1 Public Holiday As Nigeria Mark's 66th Independence Anniversary
Abuja — The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
FG Declares October 1 Public Holiday For Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary
Federal Government declares October 1 public holiday as Nigeria marks 66 years of independence from British colonial rule. The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
Nigeria’s $364m Start-Up Boom Faces New Test As Government Pushes Production, Exports
Nigeria’s start-ups raise $364.1m in August, but government says businesses must turn venture capital into production, exports and jobs. Nigeria’s start-up ecosystem attracted an impressive $364.1 million in investment in August 2026, although the federal government warned that the bigger challenge was now how to convert the surge in venture capital into productive businesses capable of expanding markets, strengthening exports, and driving industrial growth.
Nigeria Demands Justice After Three Citizens Die in South Africa Within Four Days
The Nigerian government has demanded urgent and transparent investigations into the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in South Africa within four days, warning that the latest incidents have deepened fears over the safety of Nigerians and other African foreigners in the country. The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg said the three deaths occurred between September 18 and 21, 2026, in separate incidents in Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni.
ECOWAS, UEMOA, CILSS Adopt Plan To Tackle West Africa’s Water Crisis
West African countries have moved to strengthen regional control and cooperation over their increasingly strategic water resources, adopting a common agenda aimed at tackling water insecurity, climate pressures, transboundary disputes and inadequate financing of the sector.
Climate Crisis: ECOWAS Lawmakers Warn Shrinking Land, Water Could Fuel Security Crises
ECOWAS lawmakers warn shrinking land and water resources are intensifying competition, displacement and conflict risks across West Africa. West Africa is facing a widening climate-driven crisis in which shrinking water resources, degraded farmland and changing weather patterns are increasingly fuelling competition for land, aggravating farmer-herder conflicts, displacing communities and deepening poverty, parliamentarians from the region have warned.
‘We Owe Nigerians the Truth’: Tunji-Ojo Inaugurates Probe Panel over 37 Deaths In NSCDC Custody
Tunji-Ojo has inaugurated an independent panel to investigate 37 deaths in NSCDC custody, promising accountability and transparency over the incident. The Federal Government has inaugurated an independent investigation into the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, with Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo declaring that Nigerians deserve to know the truth about the incident.
eTranzact: Digital Identity Critical To Nigeria’s Economic Transformation
eTranzact says trusted digital identity infrastructure is essential for expanding financial inclusion, secure public services and Nigeria’s digital economy. Nigeria’s push to build a truly digital economy is increasingly being anchored on a less visible but critical infrastructure: the ability to securely identify every participant in the digital space.
Nigeria: Govt Probes Deaths of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners in Minna, Names 20 Suspended NSCDC Officers
The federal government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners detained last Thursday by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, the Niger State capital. This development followed Friday's directive by President Bola Tinubu for a "full and transparent" investigation into the deaths of the suspected illegal miners.
Zulum In Canada To Pursue Tech, Education And Investment Partnerships For Borno
Borno Governor Babagana Zulum begins engagements in Canada to pursue partnerships in technology, education, agriculture and investment for the state. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has arrived in Canada to pursue strategic partnerships with Canadian institutions and industries in technology, education, agriculture, skills development and investment, as the state intensifies efforts to rebuild its economy and expand opportunities for its people.
North Central Unveils 20-Year Development Plan To Drive Regional Economic Transformation
North Central Development Commission unveils a 20-year plan focused on infrastructure, agriculture, security, digital growth and regional economic integration. The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has unveiled a 20-year development roadmap aimed at transforming the region into an integrated economic hub through coordinated investment in infrastructure, agriculture, mining, human capital, security and the digital economy.
NSCDC Niger Commandant Steps Aside As Interior Minister Orders Probe Into Detention Deaths
Niger NSCDC commandant steps aside as Interior Minister orders probe into deaths of suspected illegal miners held in custody. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has removed its Niger State Commandant from operational duties and commenced a full-scale investigation into the deaths of illegal miners who were in the custody of the Corps.
Abandoned Shell Wells Leave Akwa Ibom Communities Counting Seven Decades Of Environmental Damage
Akwa Ibom communities report polluted streams, damaged farmlands and lost livelihoods decades after Shell abandoned commercially unviable oil wells. Akwa Ibom communities report polluted streams, damaged farmlands and lost livelihoods decades after Shell abandoned commercially unviable oil wells.
Nigeria: Zamfara Peace in Crisis, IOM Programme Ends, EU Unveils €25m North West Intervention
Abuja — The fragile peace returning to parts of Zamfara State could be jeopardised by a premature withdrawal of development support, stakeholders warned yesterday as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reviewed the gains of its conflict-prevention programme in the state and the wider Northwest.
Nigeria: NDLEA Arrests Another Mexican Drug Kingpin, Dismantles Ebonyi Meth Lab
Abuja — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Mexican methamphetamine kingpin attempting to flee Nigeria and dismantled another industrial-scale clandestine laboratory, exposing an expanding international network seeking to establish drug production facilities in the country's forests and rural communities.
NiDCOM: FG Seeking Fresh Amnesty For Nigerians Detained Over Immigration Offences In India
The federal government has intensified efforts to secure the release of Nigerians detained in India, with the Nigeria High Commission in the country visiting 198 inmates across five prisons in Maharashtra as negotiations continue for a fresh six-month amnesty for Nigerians held over immigration-related offences.
Nigeria Targets Caribbean Economic Foothold As Jamaica Ties Get Fresh Push
* High Commissioner pledges trade, investment, technology, tourism partnerships Nigeria is seeking to turn its 56-year diplomatic relationship with Jamaica into a more commercially driven partnership, with the Federal Government placing trade, investment, technology and tourism at the centre of a renewed engagement with the Caribbean nation.
EU, EIB Invest €108m In African Entrepreneurs, Attract €400m, Create 15,000 Jobs
EU and EIB say €108 million Boost Africa investment has attracted €400 million and supported creation of up to 15,000 jobs. The European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have invested €108 million through the Boost Africa initiative to support entrepreneurs across Africa, leveraging the funding to attract an additional €400 million and create up to 15,000 jobs.
Nigeria Condemns Houthi Attacks On Saudi Arabia, Warns Of Threat To Regional Stability
Nigeria condemns renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, warning they threaten regional stability, civilians, infrastructure and global energy supplies. The Federal Government has condemned the latest attacks by Houthi forces in Yemen on Saudi Arabia, warning that the renewed hostilities pose a grave threat to regional stability and could further endanger civilians and disrupt global energy supplies.
UK Awards 68 Nigerians Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships For Postgraduate Studies
The UK has awarded 68 Nigerians prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships, supporting postgraduate studies and future leadership development. The United Kingdom Government has strengthened its investment in Nigeria’s human capital development by awarding prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to 68 Nigerians for postgraduate studies in the UK.
Nigeria Escorts Koroma Home As Two-Year Political Exile Ends
Nigeria has helped bring to an end one of West Africa’s most delicate political sagas, facilitating the return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown after more than two years in Nigeria following a failed coup attempt and treason charges against him.
Borno Christian Youth Leader Names Son Zulum In Honour Of Governor
A prominent Christian youth leader in Borno State, Mr Emmanuel Bulama, has named his newborn son Zulum in honour of Governor Babagana Zulum, citing the governor’s leadership, humanitarian interventions and commitment to rebuilding the state.
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has condemned an alleged United States military strike on a wedding ceremony in southern Iran, saying the attack killed or injured 68 civilians and turned a family celebration into a scene of tragedy. In a statement issued by its Press Department, the embassy said the incident occurred on September 1 at a wedding ceremony in Bandar Kuhestak, Sirik County, southern Iran.
Nigeria Tightens War On Plastic Waste, Makes Producers Responsible for End-of-Life Products
·NESREA unveils 2026 regulations as country generates 2.5m tonnes of plastic waste annually The federal government has unveiled new regulations to tackle Nigeria's growing plastic waste crisis, placing greater responsibility on producers, importers and other businesses for the recovery and proper management of plastic products after use.
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