Author: Naija Daily News

By Deborah Nnamdi WhatsApp is testing a groundbreaking feature that could let users connect without revealing their phone numbers — a move that signals one of the biggest privacy updates in the app’s history. According to reports from WhatsApp’s beta testing programme, the messaging platform is developing a username system that will allow users to create unique handles — much like Instagram, Telegram, or X — and use them to chat or join groups without sharing personal phone numbers. The feature is aimed at enhancing privacy and user control, particularly in large group or business settings where disclosing phone numbers…

By Deborah Nnamdi The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed readiness to engage in dialogue over the possible legalisation of cannabis oil in Nigeria, citing the need for evidence-based discussions on its medical and economic potential. Chairman of the NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ workshop themed “Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria,” organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS). The workshop examined scientific evidence on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis oil, international best practices for its regulation, and Nigeria’s existing legal and policy framework. Marwa…

By Deborah Nnamdi A Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja on Wednesday heard fresh digital evidence in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over alleged N233 billion fraud. At the resumed hearing before Justice Rahman Oshodi, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented new forensic findings linking some of Emefiele’s aides and associates to questionable money transfers and coded communications. Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), an EFCC operative, Alvan Gurumnaan, testified on the forensic analysis of mobile phones and other digital records recovered during the investigation.…

By Deborah Nnamdi Founder of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazurike, has declared his readiness to lead a peaceful protest in Abuja or any part of the country to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. In a video message released on Wednesday, Uwazurike described Kanu’s prolonged detention as a “political injustice” against the Igbo nation, saying the matter transcends individual grievances and highlights systemic discrimination against the South-East. “I’ve listened to the court proceedings and the presentations by Nnamdi Kanu’s…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Senate has confirmed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has submitted detailed responses to 19 audit queries over an alleged unaccounted ₦210 trillion covering the financial years 2017 to 2023. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), disclosed this while addressing journalists at the National Assembly. He said the NNPCL had requested additional time during the Senate recess to prepare comprehensive responses, which the committee granted. “NNPCL has now responded to all 19 queries, but the report is yet to be presented before the full committee for review,”…

By Deborah Nnamdi The World Bank has commended Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that they are beginning to yield positive macroeconomic results. However, it cautioned that the benefits have yet to translate into improved living conditions for most Nigerians. This was contained in the Bank’s latest Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report, released on Wednesday in Abuja, titled “From Policy to People: Bringing the Reform Gains Home.” The report reviewed Nigeria’s recent economic performance and outlined key policy actions needed to ensure that reform gains reach ordinary citizens. According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s economy grew…

The Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Muhammad Sanusi II, has expressed broad support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, saying he agrees with about 80 percent of the administration’s direction but remains concerned about fiscal management and food importation. Speaking in an interview with News Central on Tuesday, Sanusi commended the government for stabilising the economy through improved fiscal discipline and stronger coordination between monetary and fiscal policies. “In terms of monetary policy and stability, I have nothing but commendation for the government. On the fiscal side, we have seen improvements in…

The recent clash between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery revealed a troubling disregard for the public good. At issue were allegations that workers were dismissed or transferred for joining a union. If proven, such conduct by management is wrong and should be corrected. But PENGASSAN’s chosen response, threatening a shutdown of crude and gas supply to the refinery, was reckless and morally indefensible. Dangote Refinery is more than a private business; it is a strategic national asset. With a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, it represents Nigeria’s best hope of…

The recent clash between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery revealed a troubling disregard for the public good. At issue were allegations that workers were dismissed or transferred for joining a union. If proven, such conduct by management is wrong and should be corrected. But PENGASSAN’s chosen response, threatening a shutdown of crude and gas supply to the refinery, was reckless and morally indefensible. Dangote Refinery is more than a private business; it is a strategic national asset. With a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, it represents Nigeria’s best hope of…

A Nigerian man identified as Ikechukwu N. has been arrested in Argentina over alleged involvement in multiple romance scams that targeted victims across several countries., according to the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), which confirmed the development in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday. According to Interpol, the suspect was apprehended by Argentine authorities following a Red Notice circulated through its global law enforcement network. A Red Notice does not itself constitute an international arrest warrant, but it enables member countries to provisionally detain an individual pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal proceedings. Investigators believe Ikechukwu was…