Nigeria’s political and economic landscape remained active on Wednesday as President Bola Tinubu announced a new Head of Service and approved measures to boost funding for tertiary education.
Other major developments included the proposed decriminalisation of attempted suicide, fresh labour concerns, security operations across the country and reactions to the recent Osun State governorship election.
Here are 10 major stories making headlines across Nigeria today:
- Tinubu Appoints Enitan as New Head of Service
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Enitan, who currently serves as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, is expected to assume office on August 27, 2026.
He will take over from Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
- Tinubu Orders Recovered EFCC Funds to Be Channelled to NELFUND
President Tinubu has directed that all recovered funds cleared by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and not subject to legal encumbrances should be channelled to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The President also directed the mobilisation of funds from the Unclaimed Dividends Trust Fund and Dormant Accounts Trust Fund for NELFUND, subject to relevant legal provisions.
The Federal Government said the move was aimed at strengthening funding for tertiary education and supporting NELFUND in meeting its financial obligations.
- FEC Approves Move to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide
The Federal Executive Council has approved an amendment to Nigeria’s mental health legislation that would remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this after Wednesday’s FEC meeting presided over by President Tinubu.
Pate said people who attempt suicide should receive appropriate medical care and psychosocial support rather than face criminal prosecution.
- Onaiyekan Rejects Presidency’s Criticism
Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, has rejected criticism from the Presidency over his account of a meeting between Catholic bishops and President Tinubu.
The cleric maintained that he would continue to speak openly about issues affecting the country, despite the reaction to his comments.
Onaiyekan also dismissed suggestions that his age should prevent him from expressing his views on national issues.
- Adeleke Receives Certificate of Return, Announces N500m Victims’ Fund
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.
At the event on Wednesday, Adeleke also announced plans to establish a N500 million endowment fund for victims of election-related violence.
The certificate was presented to the governor by INEC National Commissioner representing the South-West, Professor Kunle Ajayi.
The event was attended by members of the state executive council, political associates and other supporters.
- Security Tightened as Retired Military Officers Protest in Abuja
Security was heightened around the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence in Abuja on Wednesday as retired military personnel staged a protest over alleged delays in implementing consequential adjustments to their pensions.
Personnel from the military, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Vehicle Inspection Officers and other security agencies were deployed around the area.
The protesters are demanding the implementation of adjustments they said were due to them.
- ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike in Two Bayelsa Universities
Academic activities have been suspended at Niger Delta University (NDU) and Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) following an indefinite strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The union accused the Bayelsa State Government of failing to implement agreements reached with the academic staff.
The industrial action followed separate enlarged congresses held at the Amassoma and Yenagoa campuses on Tuesday.
- Police Claim Davido Was Target of Osun Convoy Attack
The Nigeria Police Force has claimed that Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, was the target of an attack involving the convoy of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Security personnel attached to the governor reportedly engaged unidentified individuals during an incident linked to the governor’s visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo on Wednesday.
Davido, however, had earlier dismissed reports that the governor’s convoy came under attack.
The singer described the reports as false and said the confrontation occurred outside the palace and did not involve him or the governor’s entourage.
- Police Neutralise Two Suspected Bandits, Arrest 11 in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has announced the arrest of 11 suspects and the neutralisation of two suspected bandits during separate operations against criminal activities.
The operations, carried out between August 14 and 15, reportedly resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 54 rounds of live ammunition, magazines, a locally fabricated pistol and 14 stolen motorcycles.
The police said the operations were part of efforts to tackle banditry and motorcycle theft across the state.
- FCT Police Arrest 40 Suspects Over Robbery, Kidnapping, Traffic Offences
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested 40 suspects in separate operations over alleged offences including traffic robbery, armed robbery, kidnapping and other traffic-related violations.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to him, the arrests formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and tackle criminal activities across the Federal Capital Territory.
More Stories Making Waves
From major government decisions to fresh developments in education, security, politics and the economy, the day’s events reflect the range of issues currently shaping public discussion across Nigeria.
Submit a Press Release | Advertise With Fresh News | Contact Us
