NIGERIA, UAE REMOVE TARIFFS ON OVER 13,000 PRODUCTS UNDER NEW TRADE PACT

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The Federal Government has announced the elimination of tariffs on 6,243 products imported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while the UAE has removed tariffs on 7,315 products imported from Nigeria under a new trade agreement aimed at expanding market access and boosting non-oil exports.
The development was disclosed on Tuesday by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in a document detailing the Nigeria–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in January 2026.
According to the ministry, the agreement will expand market access opportunities for Nigerian products, businesses and professionals in the UAE, while also facilitating investment flows between both countries. It described the pact as a major milestone in Nigeria’s economic diversification and non-oil export drive.
On its part, the UAE agreed to eliminate tariffs on 7,315 Nigerian products. Tariffs on 2,805 products, representing 38.3 per cent, will be removed immediately, while tariffs on 1,468 products will be eliminated within three years and those on 3,042 products within five years. The UAE excluded or prohibited 593 products from the agreement.
On the Nigerian side, the agreement provides market access for UAE industrial and consumer goods. Nigeria will immediately remove tariffs on products such as mineral fuels, machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, iron and steel, plastics and related articles. Tariffs on fish, fruits, vegetables and apparel will be phased out over five years.
The ministry said Nigeria excluded sensitive products from tariff elimination, including meat and dairy products, certain vegetables, vegetable oils, cocoa preparations, cereal and flour products, tomato paste, alcoholic beverages, soaps and detergents, as well as some cotton yarns and fabrics.
Beyond trade in goods, the agreement also covers services and investment. Nigeria’s commitments span 99 specific services across 10 sectors, while the UAE’s commitments cover 108 services across 11 sectors.
The Federal Government said the agreement would enable Nigerian businesses to expand with confidence, benefit from stronger protections and seize new opportunities in the UAE, adding that the pact aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

COURT FIXES JAN 23 FOR HEARING IN PDP LEADERSHIP DISPUTE

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed January 23, 2025, for the hearing of an application seeking a stay of further proceedings in the leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The application was filed by the faction of the party led by Kabiru Turaki, in response to a suit instituted by the group aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter on Wednesday to allow counsel to the plaintiffs, Onyechi Ikpeazu, respond to the application for stay of proceedings.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2501/2025, was filed by the Wike-aligned PDP faction through its acting National Chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman, and factional National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to restrain the Turaki-led leadership listed as the 5th to 25th defendant from parading themselves as national officers of the party. They also seek an order stopping the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) from granting the Turaki faction access to the PDP national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
In addition, the plaintiffs are urging the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting any office address from the Turaki faction other than the one already in its records. They also want the court to declare that INEC, the police and the DSS are bound to enforce earlier judgments delivered by Justices James Omotosho and Peter Lifu.
Justice Abdulmalik had earlier granted an ex-parte order directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the suit.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the Turaki-led faction filed an appeal and also brought a motion for stay of proceedings, alongside a motion on notice asking the judge to recuse herself on grounds of alleged bias.
When the case was mentioned on Wednesday, Ikpeazu told the court that it had previously ruled that all pending applications would be taken together with the substantive suit and that the plaintiffs were ready to proceed.
However, counsel to the Turaki faction, Chief Chris Uche, informed the court that an appeal against the ex-parte order had already been entered at the Court of Appeal and assigned suit number CA/ABJ/CV/1770/2025.
The judge directed him to file a formal response and adjourned the case to January 23rd for the hearing of the stay application.

NARD URGES FG TO REINSTATE LOKOJA DOCTORS, IMPLEMENT OUTSTANDING ALLOWANCES

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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to finalize the reinstatement of dismissed resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, and to include and implement outstanding professional allowances in the January budget, among other demands.
In an exclusive interview, NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, expressed optimism that the 15-point agenda of the association would be addressed this month.
“We hope the processes for returning our members to Lokoja will be concluded. We also hope professional allowances will be captured in the budget and implemented this January,” Suleiman said. He emphasized that all 15 demands were critical to the welfare of resident doctors and the broader healthcare system.
NARD suspended a planned strike on January 12 following engagements with government agencies. The association had previously embarked on a 29-day indefinite strike on November 1, 2025, which ended on November 29.
A communiqué issued by NARD’s Secretary General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, on January 11, 2026, detailed progress on the 15 demands. On the FTH Lokoja crisis, a reconciliation committee comprising Chief Medical Directors, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and NARD was established to ensure the reinstatement of all members and restore harmonious working relationships with the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria.
Regarding outstanding Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears of 25% and 35%, verified lists have been forwarded to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), while the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has liaised with the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure prompt payment. Similar progress has been made on accoutrement allowances, with NARD actively following up.
For promotion and salary arrears, lists have been transmitted to the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office, with acknowledgment from the Honourable Minister of State for Finance. “We are engaging to ensure a clear and expedited payment plan,” Suleiman said.
On house officers’ welfare, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has intervened, while the Ministry of Health will engage the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to address delays in salary and issuance of pay advisories. A committee has also been set up to oversee membership recategorization and align state and private facilities with federal gains.
NARD confirmed that the professional allowance circular has been released, and the Ministry of Health has written to the Office of the Accountant-General for full implementation starting with the January salary. Assurances have also been given that 18 months’ arrears will be captured in the 2026 budget.
The association highlighted ongoing negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement and noted that, with firm commitments from stakeholders—including the Vice President, Federal Ministries of Health, Labour and Finance, IPPIS, the Budget Office, Chief Medical Directors, and the National Assembly—the suspension of a nationwide strike is strategic, allowing time to review tangible progress at the NEC meeting on January 25, 2026.
Suleiman also sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s brain drain, revealing that 4,700 doctors left the country in 2024 alone, with approximately 15,000 medical practitioners emigrating over the past seven years. He warned that the continuous exodus of doctors is significantly affecting healthcare delivery nationwide. Data for 2025 departures is expected by the end of January or February 2026.

Oyo Government Orders Aleshinloye Traders to Vacate Ahead of Market Demolition

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Oyo State Government has issued a notice to traders at Aleshinloye Market, Ibadan, to vacate their shops ahead of a planned demolition and renovation exercise.
The move has now sparked anxiety and controversy among the traders. Our Correspondent, Favour Akinrinola has the report. 
Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive affects over 4,000 traders, many of whom say they are struggling to understand the implications of losing their businesses within a short timeframe. Several traders disclosed that they invested heavily in acquiring their shops, with some paying up to ₦2 million, and now face the challenge of securing alternative locations reportedly costing between ₦20 million and ₦27 million.

With Nigeria’s current economic situation, affected traders many of whom are widows, widowers and family breadwinners are appealing to the state government to reconsider the timeline and grant them adequate time to relocate before the demolition begins.
As the deadline approaches, tension remains high within the market, with traders expressing fears over the possible loss of their livelihoods and businesses.
Many are calling on the government to adopt a more humane approach that balances infrastructural development with the welfare of the traders. Observers say the outcome of this situation will test the Makinde administration’s commitment to inclusive development and could have far-reaching consequences for the traders, their families, and the wider Aleshinloye community

Humanitarian Worker Among Italians Released from Venezuelan Prisons

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Venezuela has released Italian citizens Alberto Trentini and Mario Burlo from prison, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced, adding that a plane had departed Rome to bring them home.
Trentini, a humanitarian worker from Venice, was the most prominent among more than 20 Italian nationals previously held in Venezuelan detention facilities.
Venezuelan authorities said on January 8th that they would release a significant number of prisoners, including foreign nationals, as a gesture of goodwill.
The decision followed sustained pressure from human rights groups, international organisations, and opposition figures, and came after heightened tensions with the United States, which recently carried out an operation resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro

INEC CALLS ON LAGOS RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE SECOND PHASE OF VOTER REGISTRATION.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State has called on eligible residents to participate in the second phase of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
The call was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ayobami Salami. INEC recently concluded the first phase of the nationwide voter registration exercise, which began on August 18, 2025, and ended on December 10, 2025.
Salami urged residents who are yet to register to take advantage of the second phase, which commenced on January 5, 2026, and is currently ongoing across all local government areas in the state, as well as at INEC’s state headquarters.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to boosting voter participation, noting that the eligibility criteria and registration guidelines remain unchanged.
“We urge Lagos residents to make use of this opportunity to register and discharge their civic duty. From February 2026, the registration exercise will move to a rotational system across Registration Areas to improve access and convenience,” Salami said.
The REC added that INEC officials are fully prepared to conduct the exercise efficiently and transparently but expressed concern over the low turnout recorded so far.
He disclosed that the second phase of the CVR will run until April 17, 2026, warning that any form of disruption or misconduct at registration centres would not be tolerated.
“Relevant security agencies have been informed to ensure order and maintain a peaceful environment. The commission is committed to providing a safe and secure registration process for all eligible citizens,” he added.
INEC also announced that the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration is scheduled to begin on May 4 and will run until August 17, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

ATIKU WON’T STEP ASIDE FOR OBI IN 2027 – DELE MOMODU.

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Former presidential candidate and media entrepreneur Dele Momodu has dismissed speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar might withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
Atiku, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election, formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in November 2025—a move widely viewed as positioning himself to clinch the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 polls.
Peter Obi, who came third in the 2023 election behind Atiku and eventual winner President Bola Tinubu, also defected from the Labour Party to the ADC last week. His move has been interpreted by analysts as part of a broader opposition realignment aimed at mounting a strong challenge to Tinubu’s expected re-election bid.
The defections fueled speculation that Obi might agree to serve as Atiku’s running mate, a notion openly ridiculed by figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. However, prominent Obi supporters such as political economist Pat Utomi and activist Aisha Yesufu have warned they would withdraw their support if Obi accepted a vice-presidential role.
Momodu also rejected rumours that Atiku could step aside for Obi based on an alleged agreement for Obi to serve a single four-year term before handing over power in 2031. Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Momodu said Atiku had no reason to abandon his presidential ambition.
“Many people have asked me to advise former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to voluntarily withdraw from the 2027 race,” Momodu said. “When I ask why, they say he is too old—not that he is less healthy than President Bola Tinubu.
“Out of unsubstantiated malice and prejudice, Tinubu can and should contest, but Atiku can’t and shouldn’t contest.”
He argued that efforts to undermine Atiku’s ambition have become a recurring media narrative, stressing that the former vice president’s experience and track record distinguish him from many of his contemporaries.

Kwankwaso Movement Coordinator Signals NNPP’s Readiness to Partner with Other Parties

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The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has expressed willingness to form alliances with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Ibadan, the National Coordinator of the Kwankwaso National Movement, Honourable Ahmad Sawaba, said that the party is founded on principles of justice, equity, and progress.

The NNPP official emphasized that any alliance would be based on mutual respect, shared values, and the collective interest of Nigerians. Sawaba urged party members and the public to remain steadfast and optimistic, stating that the 2027 election is a movement to restore the hopes of ordinary Nigerians. The NNPP’s openness to alliances indicates a strategic effort to strengthen its political presence in the country.

VP Shettima Leads Federal Delegation to Kebbi, Reassures Families of Abducted Schoolgirls

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Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead a delegation to Kebbi State to convey the Federal Government’s solidarity and deliver a message of reassurance to the families of abducted pupils.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated his directive to security agencies to move swiftly to rescue the schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

He assured Nigerians that the children would be brought home safely.

Oyo Police Intensify Security on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Amidst Misinformation Spread

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The Oyo State Police Command has strengthened security along major highways in response to the rising spread of misinformation about safety on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Osifeso Adewale, the Command has observed a troubling increase in false claims and video clips alleging abductions and dangerous activities around the Onigari axis.

To counter the concerns, the Oyo State Police Command, says it is working closely with the Ogun State Police Command and the Ogun–Oyo Joint Security Committee, to intensify security measures across major routes entering and leaving the state, including increased patrol visibility, intelligence-driven stop-and-search operations, and improved surveillance in border communities. The Command therefore urged members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified information that could escalate fear or disrupt public order.