Recall that PUNCH Online reported that the power grid crashed again on Tuesday, the second time in four days. Also, EkoDisCo, in a statement on Tuesday, informed its customers of a system collapse that resulted in power loss. This is the second grid collapse in January 2026 and the third in less than one month. The national grid previously collapsed on December 29, 2025, and more recently on Friday, January 23, 2026. The event was accompanied by the tripping of some transmission lines and generating units, resulting in a partial system collapse.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially upgraded the operating licences of several leading financial technology firms and microfinance banks (MFBs) to national status. The announcement was made by Yemi Solaja, director of the other financial institutions supervision department at the CBN, during the annual committee of Heads of Banks’ Operations (CHBOs) conference in Lagos. Under the changes, major players including Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, OPay, Kuda Bank and others now hold national licences giving them formal approval to operate in all states of the federation rather than within limited regions. The updated licences aim to ensure stronger regulatory oversight over institutions operating across Nigeria. The new regulatory standards include increased capital requirements for national MFBs which is now set at around N5 billion, up from N2 billion under prior rules.

Teen accused of killing woman in 'one-punch attack' near North Shields bar appears in courtLiam Moor allegedly killed Lisa Denton following a suspected one-punch attack outside Charlie's Bar in North ShieldsView 3 Images Liam Moor leaving South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)A teenage labourer has appeared in court accused of manslaughter after the death of a woman outside a North Tyneside bar. Liam Moor allegedly killed Lisa Denton following a suspected one-punch attack near Charlie's Bar, in North Shields, at around 10pm on Saturday, January 24. Moor, of Telford Street, in East Howdon, but now living outside the North Tyneside area, was arrested and charged with manslaughter. We can't deal with this offence at the magistrates' court, so you will be dealt with at Newcastle Crown Court. View 3 Images A police cordon is surrounding Charlie's Bar in North Shields following an incident (Image: ChronicleLive)As previously reported following the incident, a woman, aged in her 50s, was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has renewed calls for innovative aircraft leasing solutions, flexible financing structures and practical pathways for fleet renewal to enable Nigerian airlines access modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. The statement hinted that a major highlight of Nigeria’s participation was a high-level meeting with Aercap, aircraft leasing company, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Angus Kelly. The statement said that discussions focused on long-term collaboration to support Nigerian airlines with tailored leasing models, flexible financing options, and structured pathways for fleet replacement. Keyamo noted that access to modern aircraft would not only enhance safety standards but also reduce operating costs and position Nigerian airlines to compete more effectively on regional and international routes. “Talks centred on leveraging structured finance, risk-mitigation tools and trade-enhancing instruments to support fleet development and airline sustainability,” the statement said.

It is on that basis that we gather here today,” the Vice President said. Commending Governor Mutfwang, Shettima described him as a unifying leader whose administration has begun repositioning Plateau State from conflict and stagnation towards peace and transformation. Earlier, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, for leading Plateau State into the APC fold. He assured Governor Mutfwang of victory in 2027, describing his defection as completing APC’s political map in the North Central. APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, said Governor Mutfwang’s entry reflected a growing national realignment, disclosing that candidates of several other parties had also joined the APC.

“When a child consumes alcohol or starts consuming alcohol early, their systems are exposed to alcohol early. Their physiological systems are exposed to alcohol early and there is always damage.”Adeyeye emphasised that the concentration of alcohol in sachets can be dangerously high. But some of the sachets of alcohol contain up to 43% alcohol,” she explained. So that at the end of five years, there will not be sachet of alcohol, or alcohol in PET less than 200ml. The NAFDAC DG emphasised that,“Children cannot handle alcohol the way adults can.

Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America speaks on the third day of Davos 2026. The United States has picked up the pace of its air strikes against Al-Shabaab and Islamic State in Somalia this year, according to US Africa Command data. Since January 1, the United States has conducted 23 strikes in Somalia, Africom spokeswoman Major Mahalia Frost told AFP. Following the Nigeria strikes on what Washington and Abuja said were targets linked to Islamic State Sahel Province, the Pentagon has pledged increased intelligence sharing with its Nigerian counterparts. Somalia, too, has come under fire diplomatically, with the United States recently pausing humanitarian aid there.

The Senate on Tuesday received the transmission of 24 health sector bills from President Bola Tinubu for legislative consideration, in line with Section 58(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The bills were conveyed in a letter addressed to the Senate and read during plenary by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. He noted that the proposed legislations cover a wide range of health institutions and regulatory bodies, including tertiary and teaching hospitals, speciality hospitals, professional councils, and regulatory agencies. Tinubu expressed confidence that the Senate would give the bills careful and judicious consideration in the interest of strengthening Nigeria’s health sector. After the bills were read at plenary, the Senate President referred all 24 bills to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative action.

Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, has lost his father, Sunday Ndidi, who died on Tuesday following a road accident, PUNCH Online reports. The retired military officer was reportedly involved in an accident in Umunede, Delta State, and was confirmed dead after being rushed to a hospital in Agbor, also in Delta State. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our footballer Wilfred Ndidi’s esteemed father, Sunday Ndidi, in a fatal traffic accident,” the club said in a statement released via their official X account. While celebrating his headed goal against Tunisia in Nigeria’s second group match, the midfielder referenced his father and his admiration for former Nigeria captain Kanu Nwankwo. “The celebration came from my dad because he was always talking about Kanu Nwankwo,” Ndidi told journalists in Morocco.

President Bola Tinubu was formally received with full diplomatic and military honours at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on Tuesday, beginning his high-level state visit to the Republic of Türkiye. President Tinubu, accompanied by his host, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, proceeded to inspect a formal guard of honour comprised of Turkish military personnel. Following the completion of the ceremonial formalities, both leaders withdrew into a closed-door bilateral meeting, where discussions on matters of strategic national importance are expected to take place. Members include Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Musa (retd. ), National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to redevelop the Obalende under-bridge into a modern transport hub, to be known as Y’ELLO Bus Park, in collaboration with MTN Nigeria. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Tuesday. Solar-powered lighting will improve night-time visibility, reduce blind spots, and enhance CCTV effectiveness, helping to curb criminal activities and improve overall security in the Obalende axis. Wahab said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to reclaiming public spaces and making them functional, sustainable and safe for Lagos residents. “This project reflects our resolve to reclaim public spaces, make them functional, sustainable, and safe, and ensure they serve the needs of Lagosians in a modern, responsible way,” he said.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday struck out an ex parte motion filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre. Justice James Omotosho struck out the motion after counsel from the Legal Aid Council handling the matter applied to withdraw from the case, citing irreconcilable differences with the applicant. “Having listened to counsel from the Legal Aid Council, I will grant leave for the counsel and the Legal Aid generally to withdraw from representing the defendant convict. However, in the interest of justice and fairness, this court directed that other parties involved in the matter be served with notice. But since the last court sitting, December 8, 2025, until today, January 27, there is no proof of service before this court,” Justice Omotosho said.

He also accused political actors of exploiting the industrial action for purposes unrelated to workers’ welfare. “The administration was already in the process of mediation when some politicians hijacked the strike,” Wike said, adding that several of the demands presented by workers were “frivolous” and either unreasonable or already addressed. Wike highlighted the administration’s efforts to support staff welfare, including salary payments and reforms within the civil service. Wike urged workers to recognise reforms implemented by the administration, including the establishment of the Civil Service Commission and infrastructure investments across the territory. The National Industrial Court issued an interlocutory injunction stopping the strike after an application by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The national power grid crashed again on Tuesday, the second time in four days. This is the second grid collapse in January 2026 and the third in less than one month. The national grid previously collapsed on December 29, 2025, and more recently on Friday, January 23, 2026. The Nigerian Independent System Operator has yet to explain the cause of the current grid collapse. Responding to Friday’s grid collapse, NISO said in a statement that the combined incidents resulted in a total collapse of the interconnected national grid.

Tanzanian giants Simba have opened discussions over a potential move for Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as they look to reinforce their squad following an injury to first-choice shot-stopper Moussa Camara, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Foot Africa reported that Simba are exploring the possibility of bringing Nwabali to Dar es Salaam either during the current window or on a free transfer at the end of the season, although no agreement has been reached. Simba’s interest has been accelerated by Camara’s knee injury, which prompted the club to move quickly to sign Mahamadou Tanja Kassila from Niger’s AS FAN. In their search for a longer-term solution, Simba identified Nwabali as a prime target, although formal negotiations with his club have yet to begin. “Simba identified Nwabali as the ideal successor to Camara, but the club is yet to submit a formal bid to Chippa United, who are open to offers,” Foot Africa added.