NEWS
‘Not Off the Table’ — FG Threatens Retaliation Against South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians
The Federal Government has warned that retaliatory measures against South African interests in Nigeria remain under consideration following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, expressed the government’s frustration on Monday, accusing South African authorities of failing to adequately protect Nigerians from harassment, intimidation, and attacks.
Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja, Ojukwu rejected claims that most Nigerians affected by the violence were undocumented migrants, insisting that many of them are law-abiding residents engaged in legitimate businesses.
“To say that Nigerians who are in South Africa doing legitimate business are illegal migrants is absolutely untrue,” she said.
The minister noted that Nigerians were unhappy with the treatment being meted out to them despite Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.
SEE ALSO: Atiku Knocks FG’s ‘Sluggish’ Handling of South Africa Xenophobic Violence
“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria committed funds and resources to aid South Africa. My generation demonstrated and protested in support of South Africa. Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated,” Ojukwu stated.
When asked whether Nigeria could impose restrictions on South Africans living or doing business in the country, the minister said such measures had not been ruled out.
“That is a situation we are considering. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government, but it is not off the table,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has activated a crisis response mechanism through the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria and the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg to assist citizens affected by the attacks.
Ojukwu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed relevant agencies to ensure the safe evacuation of Nigerians willing to return home.
According to her, the number of citizens seeking repatriation continues to rise as the situation worsens in parts of South Africa.
She explained that both Nigerian and South African authorities were carrying out screening and documentation processes to facilitate the return of affected citizens.
The minister also assured that returnees would receive support upon arrival in Nigeria through collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other government agencies.
In a related development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the postponement of the planned evacuation of 270 Nigerians from South Africa, citing unforeseen logistical challenges.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the flight, originally scheduled to depart Johannesburg on Monday, had been rescheduled for Wednesday to allow authorities complete necessary arrangements.
Ebienfa disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians had already been screened and cleared for possible evacuation.
He also clarified that, unlike previous evacuation exercises, the Federal Government would fully fund the operation and would not depend on donations from private individuals.
“The Nigerian government will not wait for philanthropists to donate their planes before doing what it is supposed to do and evacuate its citizens facing trouble anywhere in the world,” he said.
The latest developments came after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on the growing anti-migrant tensions, condemning attacks on foreign nationals while promising stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
Ramaphosa urged citizens to reject violence and resolve concerns through lawful means.
“We must end illegal migration and secure our communities. However, we must overcome these challenges through peace and love, not through fear, anger or violence,” he said.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and ensuring the safe return of those affected by the ongoing crisis.
NEWS
TCN Restores Power Supply to Katampe Substation After Shiroro Line Fault
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has restored bulk power supply to its Katampe 330kV Transmission Substation in Abuja following an earlier disruption caused by a fault on the Shiroro–Katampe 330kV Line 1.
The development was disclosed in a statement released by TCN management on Friday, October 9, 2026.
SEE ALSO: Kainji–Birnin Kebbi Power Line: TCN Begins Final Phase of Restoration
According to the statement, bulk power supply was restored to the Katampe substation at 4:15 p.m. through the Gwagwalada–Katampe 330kV Line 1.
TCN explained that the Shiroro–Katampe 330kV Line 1 remains out of service due to a fault, necessitating the use of the Gwagwalada–Katampe line to restore supply to the substation.
The company also announced the suspension of planned maintenance work on the Gwagwalada–Katampe 330kV Line 1 to enable the line to continue supplying the Katampe substation.
The suspended maintenance work involved replacing defective line isolators and the associated earthing switch.
TCN apologised to electricity consumers in the affected areas for any inconvenience caused by the disruption and maintenance arrangements.
NEWS
2027 Elections: FG Warns Politicians Against Promises on Fuel Subsidy
The Federal Government has warned politicians against making promises that could reverse Nigeria’s economic reforms, insisting that it will not restore fuel subsidy amid renewed debate over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC) petrol discount.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, saying the government would not bring back subsidies on petroleum products.
“This government is not bringing back subsidy on fuel products. We need to be clear,” Oyedele said.
ALSO READ: NNPC Petrol Discount: Oyedele Explains How Lower Margins Could Boost Profits
The minister also criticised politicians who, according to him, make promises to win elections without fully considering the implications of implementing them.
He suggested that some politicians make sweeping promises during election campaigns only to offer excuses when confronted with the realities of governance.
“I think I would pardon people who say all manner of things because they want to get elected. It’s almost like ‘whatever I need to say, when I get there, I’ll give excuses.’ But we have the data,” he said.
Oyedele added that he felt a personal responsibility not to remain silent about the economic realities known to the government or allow populist positions to push Nigeria in the wrong direction.
“I feel the personal responsibility that I cannot see what I see and keep quiet, or populism to move our country in the wrong direction,” he said.
NNPC Petrol Discount Sparks Fresh Subsidy Debate
The minister’s remarks come amid renewed debate over fuel subsidy following the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day petrol discount at NNPC retail stations.
The initiative was introduced as a temporary measure to provide relief to Nigerians amid elevated global crude oil prices and concerns about the cost of petroleum products.
NNPC Retail had also announced a N66-per-litre petrol discount to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with the offer scheduled to run until October 31, 2026, across its retail stations nationwide.
The company maintained that the discount was a customer-relief initiative and did not represent a return to the petroleum subsidy regime.
The distinction has become central to the debate, with the government insisting that temporary price relief at NNPC stations does not amount to restoring the subsidy policy abolished in May 2023.
The administration has maintained that the current arrangement differs from the former subsidy system, under which the government intervened to cover part of the cost of petrol.
FG Defends Economic Reforms
During the interview, Oyedele also referred to a World Bank update, saying the institution had acknowledged a reduction in poverty levels and increased spending on infrastructure, particularly roads.
He urged Nigerians not to reverse the progress he said had been made, arguing that the country was approaching a point where the benefits of ongoing reforms should begin to emerge.
NEWS
Kaduna Moves to Clear 5-Year Promotion Backlog for 24,000 Teachers
The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has commenced a promotion exercise for 24,000 eligible staff as part of efforts to clear outstanding teachers’ promotions dating back to 2021.
The development was disclosed on Friday as the administration of Governor Uba Sani intensifies efforts to address promotion backlogs, recognise teachers’ years of service and improve staff welfare across the state.
The exercise covers outstanding promotions from 2021 to 2026 and is expected to provide eligible teachers and other staff with opportunities for career progression.
SEE ALSO: Kaduna Clears N18bn Pension Arrears, Raises Agric Funding to N100bn
According to the announcement, eligible personnel will undergo an assessment process, after which promotions will be implemented for those who successfully meet the requirements.
The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen the education sector by recognising the contributions of teachers and supporting their professional development.
The state government has emphasised the importance of investing in teachers, noting that a motivated and valued teaching workforce is essential to building a stronger education system.
The exercise is also expected to address long-standing staff concerns relating to career advancement within the state’s basic education sector.





