Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress staged walkouts in major cities to draw attention to the challenges facing workers, particularly rising insecurity and financial issues.
Friday, December 19, 2025
Video - Nigeria labour union protests over worsening insecurity
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress staged walkouts in major cities to draw attention to the challenges facing workers, particularly rising insecurity and financial issues.
Insecurity forces Christians to abandon Christmas travel, worship in Northern Nigeria
Insecurity across northern Nigeria is forcing many Christians to avoid public worship and cancel Christmas travel plans, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the region has said.
The warning comes against a backdrop of escalating violence in December 2025, which has seen religious centres and residents specifically targeted by criminal groups.
The attacks are perpetrated by various armed groups and has led to the death and kidnap of thousands of people in recent years.
By Ogalah Dunamis, Premium Times
The warning comes against a backdrop of escalating violence in December 2025, which has seen religious centres and residents specifically targeted by criminal groups.
The attacks are perpetrated by various armed groups and has led to the death and kidnap of thousands of people in recent years.
The Context: A Bloody December
CAN’s statement is a direct response to a series of harrowing incidents that have rocked the region in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
A few days ago, on 14 December, gunmen attacked the First ECWA Evangelical Church Winning All in Kogi State during a Sunday service. The assailants killed one worshipper and abducted approximately 30 others, turning a sanctuary into a crime scene.
This followed a massive security breach in Niger State in late November, where over 300 students and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School. While some have been released, the sheer scale of the attack has left a lingering trauma across the North-central region. Over 100 students and staff are still with the kidnappers.
Similarly, in Plateau State, fresh attacks near Jos have claimed the lives of miners and villagers, with reports indicating that security agencies failed to act on advance warnings of the impending assaults.
The attacks have continued despite the efforts of security agencies. PREMIUM TIMES reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser recently stated that it is arming trained hunters and vigilantes in northern Nigeria to work with conventional security agencies to tackle insecurity in the region.
CAN’s statement is a direct response to a series of harrowing incidents that have rocked the region in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
A few days ago, on 14 December, gunmen attacked the First ECWA Evangelical Church Winning All in Kogi State during a Sunday service. The assailants killed one worshipper and abducted approximately 30 others, turning a sanctuary into a crime scene.
This followed a massive security breach in Niger State in late November, where over 300 students and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School. While some have been released, the sheer scale of the attack has left a lingering trauma across the North-central region. Over 100 students and staff are still with the kidnappers.
Similarly, in Plateau State, fresh attacks near Jos have claimed the lives of miners and villagers, with reports indicating that security agencies failed to act on advance warnings of the impending assaults.
The attacks have continued despite the efforts of security agencies. PREMIUM TIMES reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser recently stated that it is arming trained hunters and vigilantes in northern Nigeria to work with conventional security agencies to tackle insecurity in the region.
CAN’s Position
In a Yuletide statement issued on Thursday, CAN stated that these persistent attacks by bandits, terrorists, and other criminal groups have created widespread fear, making highways, rural communities, and even places of worship unsafe during the festive period.
The Chairman of Northern CAN, Yakubu Pam, said information available to the association indicates that a significant number of Christians now prefer to remain in their places of residence rather than travel to hometowns or attend church services—a development he described as deeply troubling.
“Christmas marks the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, and is traditionally a season of family reunions and communal worship,” Mr Pam said. “Sadly, many Christians are reconsidering these traditions out of fear for their safety.”
He noted that the situation represents a serious erosion of basic freedoms in a democratic society, with the rights to movement, worship, and peaceful assembly increasingly constrained by insecurity.
In a Yuletide statement issued on Thursday, CAN stated that these persistent attacks by bandits, terrorists, and other criminal groups have created widespread fear, making highways, rural communities, and even places of worship unsafe during the festive period.
The Chairman of Northern CAN, Yakubu Pam, said information available to the association indicates that a significant number of Christians now prefer to remain in their places of residence rather than travel to hometowns or attend church services—a development he described as deeply troubling.
“Christmas marks the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, and is traditionally a season of family reunions and communal worship,” Mr Pam said. “Sadly, many Christians are reconsidering these traditions out of fear for their safety.”
He noted that the situation represents a serious erosion of basic freedoms in a democratic society, with the rights to movement, worship, and peaceful assembly increasingly constrained by insecurity.
Government Called to Action
According to the association, violent attacks and criminal activities across several northern states have undermined public confidence in the safety of major highways and worship centers.
CAN called on President Bola Tinubu, governors of the 19 northern states, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to take urgent and visible steps to secure lives and property throughout the Yuletide.
The group urged authorities to strengthen intelligence-driven security operations to prevent attacks before they occur, and deploy adequate personnel to vulnerable communities, major highways, churches, and other public gathering points.
“The assurance of safety for all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, is fundamental to national unity and social stability,” the association said.
While calling on the government to act decisively, CAN also appealed to Christians to exercise vigilance and wisdom, while remaining steadfast in faith and prayer.
“Even in moments of great trial, we must continue to embody the message of peace, hope, and resilience which this season signifies,” Mr Pam said, expressing optimism that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges through purposeful leadership and collective responsibility.
The association concluded by insisting that the “darkness of insecurity will not prevail.”
According to the association, violent attacks and criminal activities across several northern states have undermined public confidence in the safety of major highways and worship centers.
CAN called on President Bola Tinubu, governors of the 19 northern states, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to take urgent and visible steps to secure lives and property throughout the Yuletide.
The group urged authorities to strengthen intelligence-driven security operations to prevent attacks before they occur, and deploy adequate personnel to vulnerable communities, major highways, churches, and other public gathering points.
“The assurance of safety for all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, is fundamental to national unity and social stability,” the association said.
While calling on the government to act decisively, CAN also appealed to Christians to exercise vigilance and wisdom, while remaining steadfast in faith and prayer.
“Even in moments of great trial, we must continue to embody the message of peace, hope, and resilience which this season signifies,” Mr Pam said, expressing optimism that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges through purposeful leadership and collective responsibility.
The association concluded by insisting that the “darkness of insecurity will not prevail.”
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Video - Gold and lithium illegal mining fuels Nigeria’s bandit crisis
Illegal mining is obstructing Nigeria’s efforts to drive out armed fighters, known locally as bandits. They've seized areas in the north and central regions believed to be rich in gold, lithium and other rare earth minerals. The profits have become vital to financing the bandits' operations.
Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa retires, ending 15-year international career
The former Leicester City forward made the announcement on his social media.
"After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles." Musa wrote.
Musa, 33, was first called up for Nigeria in April 2010 by Lars Lagerback ahead of Nigeria's FIFA World Cup preparations and made his debut five months later in September at the age of 17 years old.
"I remember being invited at the same time to the U-20, U-23 and the Super Eagles. I was young, still learning and always travelling, but I never complained. Whenever Nigeria called, I showed up. It was never something I had to think twice about," Musa said.
Musa accumulated 111 international appearances, making him only the third Nigerian player -- along with Joseph Yobo (100) and Vincent Enyeama (101) -- to cross the 100-cap threshold.
"Playing 111 matches for my country is something I hold with deep respect," he said.
"To become the most capped played in the history of Nigerian football is a great honour. Every time I wore the jersey, I understood the responsibility that came with it. I did my best to give everything I had, whether things were going well or not, because playing for Nigeria was always bigger than me."
Musa helped Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2013. He also appeared at two FIFA World Cups, in 2014 and 2018, scoring four goals to become Nigeria's highest ever World Cup goalscorer, and the first to score multiple goals at one tournament.
"Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. That team showed what it meant to play for Nigeria," he said.
"Scoring at the World Cup, against Argentina and Iceland, are memories I will always carry with me. To score four goals at the World Cup and be Nigeria's highest goalscorer at that stage is something I am truly grateful for."
Musa's last appearance for Nigeria was at Unity Cup in London earlier this year, when the Super Eagles beat West African rivals Ghana in the semifinals.
"As I step away from international football, I do so with peace and gratitude," Musa said.
"I know I gave my best. I know the Super Eagles will continue to move forward. And I know that this bond will never be broken."
Musa is now expected to focus on his role as general manager of Kano Pillars, one of the clubs where he began his career, and where he returned to play after his European adventure in a unique combination of player and administrator. He was appointed to the position in July 2025.
His official retirement announcement comes less than two weeks after his deputy, William Troost-Ekong, announced his own retirement, and provides clarity to what was a knotty leadership situation in the team.
Initially named captain by Sunday Oliseh after the departure of Vincent Enyeama in 2015, Musa surrendered the position to John Mikel Obi, assuming the position of deputy until the midfielder himself retired in 2019, with Troost-Ekong being his deputy.
Although he took leadership responsibility for the team in Musa's extended absence, including leading the Super Eagles in every game of the 2023 AFON as Musa remained an unused substitute, Troost-Ekong was never formally named captain.
Troost-Ekong's retirement in early December left the team in limbo. Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, as deputy captain and one of the more senior members of the team, has taken over the role. He has not been officially named captain either.
Without Musa's retirement, the team was unable to appoint an official captain. This announcement now clears the path for a new captain to be named for the Super Eagles heading into the AFCON.
Nigeria bans mineral processing plants in residential areas, mandates plastic producers to clean up
Nigeria has ordered mineral processing companies to cease operations within residential and restricted areas. The government also mandated plastic manufacturers and bottling companies to take responsibility for the plastic waste generated from their products nationwide.
The directives form part of resolutions adopted at the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment (NCE), Nigeria’s highest advisory body on environmental matters, which was held in Katsina State from 15 to 17 December.
The council, chaired by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, approved the measures after reviewing environmental risks associated with mining activities, plastic pollution and public health hazards across the country.
By Ogalah Dunamis, Premium Times
The directives form part of resolutions adopted at the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment (NCE), Nigeria’s highest advisory body on environmental matters, which was held in Katsina State from 15 to 17 December.
The council, chaired by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, approved the measures after reviewing environmental risks associated with mining activities, plastic pollution and public health hazards across the country.
Mining, pollution and public safety
According to the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the council approved that legal and regulatory bodies should restrict the establishment of mineral processing companies within residential and restricted areas in all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The council also mandated that plastic manufacturers and plastic bottling companies adopt the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, requiring them to take responsibility for the collection and management of plastic waste arising from their products.
Environmental experts at the meeting warned that unregulated mineral processing and plastic waste pollution continue to pose serious threats to human health, ecosystems and urban safety, particularly in densely populated communities.
According to the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the council approved that legal and regulatory bodies should restrict the establishment of mineral processing companies within residential and restricted areas in all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The council also mandated that plastic manufacturers and plastic bottling companies adopt the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, requiring them to take responsibility for the collection and management of plastic waste arising from their products.
Environmental experts at the meeting warned that unregulated mineral processing and plastic waste pollution continue to pose serious threats to human health, ecosystems and urban safety, particularly in densely populated communities.
Strengthening environmental regulation
The council further ordered that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) structures be established in all state ministries of environment. It, however, stated that the federal government would retain the authority to issue EIA certificates.
States were directed to nominate EIA focal officers and formally communicate their nominations to the Federal Ministry of Environment to strengthen coordination and compliance.
In response to environmental and health concerns in extractive communities, the council noted the need to introduce public health screening protocols in mining communities and to require livelihood restoration plans as part of mine closure processes.
The council further ordered that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) structures be established in all state ministries of environment. It, however, stated that the federal government would retain the authority to issue EIA certificates.
States were directed to nominate EIA focal officers and formally communicate their nominations to the Federal Ministry of Environment to strengthen coordination and compliance.
In response to environmental and health concerns in extractive communities, the council noted the need to introduce public health screening protocols in mining communities and to require livelihood restoration plans as part of mine closure processes.
Sanitation, air quality and toxic substances
As part of efforts to improve sanitation and environmental health, the council approved that all state governments establish faecal sludge management plants, aimed at accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.
It also approved increased collaboration between state governments and the Federal Ministry of Environment on the National Clean Air Programme. It endorsed the deployment of robust air and water quality monitoring systems in industrial zones.
As part of broader efforts to curb toxic pollution, the council also approved the substitution of mercury, cyanide and other poisonous chemicals used in gold extraction, citing their harmful effects on humans, animals and the natural environment.
As part of efforts to improve sanitation and environmental health, the council approved that all state governments establish faecal sludge management plants, aimed at accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.
It also approved increased collaboration between state governments and the Federal Ministry of Environment on the National Clean Air Programme. It endorsed the deployment of robust air and water quality monitoring systems in industrial zones.
As part of broader efforts to curb toxic pollution, the council also approved the substitution of mercury, cyanide and other poisonous chemicals used in gold extraction, citing their harmful effects on humans, animals and the natural environment.
Climate action and waste management
The council ordered the integration of climate change assessments into the Environmental Impact Assessment process, with particular emphasis on the Niger Delta region.
It also approved the development of a National Framework for the Environmentally Sound Management of Used Tyres in Nigeria, alongside the establishment of a certification scheme for refrigeration and air-conditioning practitioners.
To support Nigeria’s climate commitments, the council approved measures to provide technical and regulatory support to states to maximise economic benefits from carbon credit opportunities.
The council ordered the integration of climate change assessments into the Environmental Impact Assessment process, with particular emphasis on the Niger Delta region.
It also approved the development of a National Framework for the Environmentally Sound Management of Used Tyres in Nigeria, alongside the establishment of a certification scheme for refrigeration and air-conditioning practitioners.
To support Nigeria’s climate commitments, the council approved measures to provide technical and regulatory support to states to maximise economic benefits from carbon credit opportunities.
Katsina meeting
The 18th NCE meeting, themed “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” attracted 312 participants, including commissioners responsible for the environment from the 36 states, permanent secretaries, heads of environment-related agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, academics and journalists.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda was represented by the Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal, who served as the chief host of the meeting.
The communiqué was unanimously adopted at the close of proceedings on Wednesday.
The 18th NCE meeting, themed “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” attracted 312 participants, including commissioners responsible for the environment from the 36 states, permanent secretaries, heads of environment-related agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, academics and journalists.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda was represented by the Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal, who served as the chief host of the meeting.
The communiqué was unanimously adopted at the close of proceedings on Wednesday.
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