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₦50,000 Relief Payment: Check If Your State Is Among FG’s Beneficiary Areas

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The Federal Government has announced that its ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) programme is open to vulnerable households across all six geopolitical zones, including the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The clarification was issued by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in a statement signed by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Janet Mcdickson Noah, on Friday, following questions from Nigerians about the geographical coverage and eligibility requirements for the financial assistance.

The ministry explained that the programme covers all states in the South-West, South-East, South-South, North-Central, North-East and North-West regions of the country.

In the South-West, the beneficiary areas include Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states.

The South-East coverage comprises Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, while the South-South includes Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states.

For the North-Central region, the programme covers Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau states, alongside the FCT.

The North-East states included are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe, while the North-West comprises Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.

Who Qualifies For The ₦50,000 NERSI Grant?

According to the ministry, beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records, with eligibility determined by poverty levels and vulnerability.

The government stressed that the intervention is designed to support households facing financial difficulties due to the rising cost of living.

Each successful beneficiary will receive ₦50,000, which the government emphasised is a grant and not a loan.

It also assured Nigerians that recipients would receive the full amount without deductions.

The ministry added that the selection process covers all six geopolitical zones and is not influenced by religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

How Beneficiaries Can Confirm And Receive The Money

The Federal Government explained that payments would be released in phases, meaning beneficiaries might not receive notifications at the same time.

It clarified that failure to receive a text message immediately does not automatically mean an individual has been excluded from the programme.

According to the statement, phone numbers used for notifications were obtained from the same verified records used during the selection process.

The ministry also assured Nigerians that their personal information would be protected under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

It warned beneficiaries against fraudsters, stressing that no government official or authorised payment provider would request their Personal Identification Number (PIN), One-Time Password (OTP) or Bank Verification Number (BVN).

Successful applicants will receive text messages from one of five approved payment providers: ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.

The notification will identify the selected payment provider and contain a USSD code that beneficiaries can dial to accept the financial assistance.

The ministry further disclosed that beneficiaries could independently dial their provider’s USSD code and select the option for checking their eligibility.

It advised Nigerians to ensure that any notification they receive comes from the official sender names of the approved payment providers.

The government urged selected recipients to follow the instructions in their messages and accept the grant to activate their mobile wallets, after which the ₦50,000 would be credited.

It emphasised that receiving a notification alone does not guarantee payment, as beneficiaries must first accept the offer.

The ministry added that anyone who mistakenly rejects the offer by selecting ‘No’ can dial the USSD code again and change the response to ‘Yes’.

However, those who leave their responses on ‘No’ will not receive the payment.

It also clarified that beneficiaries do not need smartphones or internet access to complete the process, as the USSD service works on basic mobile phones.

Customers of MoMo PSB, OPay and Moniepoint can equally access their wallets through the providers’ official mobile applications.

How To Withdraw The ₦50,000 NERSI Grant

The Federal Government stated that beneficiaries could withdraw their funds through Point-of-Sale (POS) agents by transferring money from their mobile wallets.

Recipients can withdraw the entire ₦50,000 or take out only part of the money while leaving the remaining balance in their wallets.

The ministry also explained that beneficiaries could transfer the funds to any bank account, including another person’s account, using USSD or their payment provider’s application.

It warned Nigerians that accepting the grant, receiving the money and responding to official programme messages are completely free.

The government urged beneficiaries not to pay anyone for access to the intervention or to secure a place on the list, warning that such demands could be fraudulent.

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Tension In Osun As NLC Orders Workers To Embark On Three-Day Strike.

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The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed all its affiliate unions to embark on a three-day sympathy strike in support of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) over the continued withholding of statutory allocations meant for local governments in the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The directive was announced in a statement jointly signed by the NLC State Chairperson, Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, and the State Secretary, Victor O. Amusan.

The labour union explained that the industrial action followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government and the Osun State Government over the unresolved dispute concerning local government funds.

According to the congress, the authorities failed to address its demands despite the ultimatum, leaving the labour movement with no option but to proceed with the planned industrial action.

The NLC disclosed that the decision was reached during an emergency meeting of its State Executive Council (SEC) held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

In the statement, the congress said, “Following the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government and Osun State Government over the continued withholding of Local Government statutory allocations, the Congress regrets to inform all affiliate unions that the issues raised remain unresolved.”

It added that all affiliate unions under the Osun State Council had been directed to participate in the three-day sympathy strike in line with the resolutions reached at the emergency meeting.

The industrial action is scheduled to commence at midnight on Sunday, November 8, and end at midnight on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

The congress directed all affiliated unions to formally notify their members of the decision and ensure strict compliance across their respective workplaces throughout the strike period.

It also warned that any union that deliberately disregards or works against the directive would face disciplinary sanctions in accordance with the congress’s regulations.

The labour body maintained that the difficulties being experienced by members of NULGE were a concern for the entire labour movement, stressing the importance of solidarity in defending workers’ welfare and rights.

“The continued hardship confronting our comrades in NULGE is a collective concern of the entire labour movement, and our response must reflect our shared commitment to workers’ rights, dignity, welfare and economic security,” the statement read.

The NLC consequently urged all affiliate unions to demonstrate maximum commitment to the industrial action, reaffirming its determination to protect the rights, dignity and welfare of workers across Osun State.

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Lagos Airport Drug Bust: NDLEA Arrests Ugandan Woman With Shocking Cocaine Consignment.

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 34-year-old Ugandan woman, identified as Farida Nansubuga, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 87 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.15kg out of Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The suspect was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while preparing to board a flight to Uganda.

According to a statement released by the NDLEA on Sunday, November 8, 2026, Nansubuga was arrested on Tuesday, November 3, at Terminal 2 of the airport.

The agency disclosed that its operatives intercepted her during a joint passenger screening exercise conducted alongside aviation security personnel.

A body search reportedly raised suspicions that she was concealing illegal substances, prompting officers to move her to a private room for a more thorough examination.

Further checks allegedly revealed 87 wraps of cocaine strapped around her pelvic region and concealed beneath two layers of underwear.

During interrogation, Nansubuga reportedly disclosed that she arrived in Nigeria on October 29 with members of her church delegation for a prayer programme at The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), located in Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos.

She allegedly remained in the country after the other members of the delegation returned to Uganda, claiming she had been recruited to collect the drugs on behalf of a friend identified as Joy, who resides in Uganda.

The suspect reportedly explained that Joy connected her with an individual in Nigeria who arranged her transportation to a hotel on the day of her departure.

She further claimed that a man at the hotel handed her the cocaine and instructed her to conceal the packages beneath her clothing.

Nansubuga allegedly expected to receive at least $1,000 for delivering the consignment, although she said no specific payment arrangement had been finalised.

Other Drug Seizures At Lagos Airport

In a separate operation at the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives intercepted 750,000 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg, weighing 526kg and estimated to be worth ₦900 million.

The shipment, which originated from India, was allegedly falsely declared as paracetamol to evade detection.

The consignment arrived aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Ahmedabad on November 3. A joint inspection involving the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies on November 6 revealed that 10 of the 11 cartons contained Tapentadol, while the remaining carton contained paracetamol allegedly used to conceal the illegal drugs.

The agency also intercepted 32 parcels of Loud, a cannabis strain weighing 16.15kg, concealed inside two wooden sofas shipped from Houston, United States.

The shipment arrived aboard a Turkish Airlines flight on November 4. A freight agent, Ibrahim Abdulwaheed Adewale, was subsequently arrested after presenting himself to clear the consignment.

A follow-up operation on November 6 led to the arrest of a 34-year-old caterer from Ibadan, Adeoye Sarafa Ojo, who reportedly arrived to collect the package.

Ojo allegedly identified a friend, Taiwo Anuoluwapo Olusegun, as the sender of the shipment.

In another operation, NDLEA operatives arrested two suspects over the importation of chemicals allegedly intended for the production of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis substance.

Officers recovered 1.2kg of cannabis and 28.65kg of chemicals concealed inside cartons of snacks and detergent.

Other seizures included 46 blocks of cannabis weighing 22.2kg and destined for the United Kingdom, as well as 296 tablets of Swinol being transported to Australia.

The agency also intercepted three separate shipments of tramadol heading to the UK. The consignments comprised 20 capsules from Benin City, 96 capsules from Sapele in Delta State, and 600 tablets of Tramadol 225mg from Asaba, concealed inside female headwear.

NDLEA Raids Across Several States

Beyond its airport and courier operations, the agency reported several arrests and drug recoveries during coordinated raids across Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Taraba, Enugu and Delta states.

In Lagos, operatives arrested 32-year-old Abubakar Ali at Marine Beach, Apapa, on November 6.

Officers reportedly recovered tramadol, pregabalin, diazepam, codeine and 6.07kg of cannabis from a concealed storage facility inside his apartment.

In Ondo State, NDLEA operatives recovered 1,818kg of cannabis packed in 148 bags during a raid along Odofin Road, Uso.

They also destroyed a one-hectare cannabis farm at Board Forest, recovered an additional 242kg of the substance and arrested a 36-year-old suspect, Itoro Linus Akpan.

In neighbouring Ekiti State, officers apprehended 53-year-old Agbo Paul Peter at Osin Forest, Osin-Ekiti, with 216kg of cannabis and cannabis seeds.

Meanwhile, in Edo State, operatives intercepted a vehicle conveying 19 bags of cannabis weighing 201kg along the Auchi-Ibillo Road.

The operation led to the arrest of the driver, 39-year-old Abdulmumid Isah, and his 25-year-old passenger, Danako Godwin.

The agency also raided a suspected drug distribution centre on Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City, where three suspects were arrested and quantities of Colorado, Loud and cannabis were recovered.

In Taraba State, NDLEA operatives arrested three suspects with 283 blocks of cannabis weighing 226.255kg at a checkpoint in Lankaviri, Yorro Local Government Area, between November 5 and 6.

Similarly, officers in Enugu State arrested 57-year-old Celestine Uzochukwu Ejiakor at the Eke Obinagu checkpoint with 44 blocks of cannabis weighing 22.5kg.

Another suspect, 40-year-old Godwin Shaapera, was arrested at the Ugwuoba checkpoint with 24,000 capsules of tramadol and 697g of ketamine.

In Delta State, the agency also recorded several arrests and seizures involving cannabis, cannabis seeds, methamphetamine, tramadol, Rohypnol and nitrous oxide.

Marwa Reacts To Arrests, Seizures

Meanwhile, the NDLEA said it had continued its War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaign across schools, religious institutions and communities nationwide.

Reacting to the latest operations, the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers of the affected commands for their dedication and commitment.

Marwa described the arrest of the Ugandan woman as evidence of how international drug cartels could exploit religious activities and cross-border travel to recruit unsuspecting individuals as drug couriers.

He urged NDLEA personnel across the country to intensify efforts against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

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Agreement Is Agreement’ – Akpabio Breaks Silence As Wike, Fubara End Rivers Feud.

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised the reconciliation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Akpabio commended both political leaders for resolving their differences, particularly applauding Fubara for choosing peace over the prolonged political crisis in the state.

He described the reconciliation as a significant development that could strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the Senate President, the renewed understanding between Wike and Fubara would improve the party’s chances of securing victory for President Bola Tinubu in next year’s presidential election.

Speaking at the APC Rainbow Coalition Presidential Campaign Rally held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Akpabio declared that agreements must be respected, while paying special tribute to Fubara for embracing reconciliation.

He said, “In the person of Nyesom Wike, agreement is an agreement. Let me, for today, pay a special tribute to the current governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, who is here today. I have seen total peace in Rivers State, and it is through this peace that we are going to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Akpabio expressed optimism that Rivers voters would once again throw their weight behind Tinubu in 2027, recalling the President’s impressive performance in the state during the 2023 presidential election.

He described the people of Rivers as politically conscious citizens capable of making decisive choices during elections, adding that their previous voting pattern reflected their political awareness.

The Senate President also praised Wike for his political relevance and achievements as FCT Minister, noting that Rivers State had every reason to be proud of the calibre of leaders it had produced.

He further commended Tinubu’s leadership, describing the President as someone who understands how to identify and appoint competent individuals to strategic government positions.

Akpabio urged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing the administration’s economic policies and ongoing reforms.

He specifically defended the removal of the fuel subsidy, arguing that the decision was necessary to address corruption and longstanding economic distortions.

The Senate President maintained that despite the economic difficulties associated with the policy, Nigeria had remained united and intact.

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