Nigerian Senate

Bill On Single Toll-Free National Emergency Number Scales 2nd Reading

A bill seeking to create a single toll-free national emergency number for all Nigerians has scaled second reading in the Senate.

The proposed legislation which was sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua (APC, Katsina Central) aims to establish 112 or any other three-digit code adopted during the public hearing as the unified emergency line accessible nationwide.

Presenting the bill Senator Yar’adua said a single emergency number would eliminate the current confusing multiplicity of hotlines operated by different agencies across states. 

He noted that a unified number would provide a fast reliable point of contact for reporting emergencies such as road crashes, fire incidents, burglary, medical crises, domestic violence, and other life-threatening situations.

Yar’adua explained that globally, emergency numbers are deliberately kept at three digits for easy memorization and quick dial. 

The new bill proposes that all calls and SMS to the national number be routed to the nearest control room or public safety answering point for immediate action. 

The lawmaker emphasised that a unified system would be beneficial to Nigerians in remote or underserved areas.

The bill has subsequently been referred to the Senate Committee on Communications to report back within four weeks.

Protection Of Opposition Candidate

PDP Tasks President Tinubu To Replicate The Guinea-Bissau Protection In Nigeria.

 

The Kabiru Turaki led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has asked President Bola Tinubu to in Nigeria apply the same Democratic Principles of granting asylum and providing protection for Fernando Dia Da Costa, the opposition Candidate in the recently concluded Presidential Election in Guinea- Bissau for the sake of peace and Democracy.

The PDP who said this in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong urged President Tinubu to check and curtail the activities of anti-democratic forces within his cabinet and political mercenaries which it says openly orchestrate, fund and engineer crises in major opposition parties in Nigeria.

The PDP lauded the move taken to shield Da Costa from imminent threats to his life, safeguard the Democratic aspirations of the people of Guinea-Bissau, and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, stability, and conflict de-escalation in the sub-region.

The PDP said that although President Tinubu is not expected to assist opposition parties but has a constitutional duty to ensure that Nigeria’s Political space remains free, open, and competitive.

 It explained that the space is presently being constricted through coercion of elected officials to defect to the Ruling Party and sponsorship of crises in opposition pch rties.

The PDP urged President Tinubu to promptly act in defence of Democracy in Nigeria as he cannot present himself as a defender of democracy in the sub-region while enabling anti-democratic practices at home which undermines democratic institutions and processes.

Army Emblem

 President Tinubu Unveils 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem.

President Bola Tinubu today formally launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem at the State House Abuja.

President Tinubu used the occasion to honour the fallen heroes; commending serving troops on the frontline while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving military welfare and national security. 

Tinubu also made a 200 million naira donation to the emblem appeal fund urging Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace respect and tolerance.

Resignation

Nigeria's Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar Resigns

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has resigned his position with immediate effect citing health reasons.

In his resignation letter dated Monday December 1, 2025 which was addressed to President Bola Tinubu; the former Governor of Jigawa State said he could no longer forge ahead in that capacity due to medical reasons.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga President Tinubu has accepted Abubakar's resignation and expressed appreciation to him for his unwavering service to the nation while in office.

The 63 year old Mohammed Badaru Abubakar served as the Governor of Jigawa State for two terms from 2015 to 2023 before his appointment as the Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023.

His resignation is coming at a critical moment when Nigeria is faced with security threats in parts of the country; even as President Tinubu recently called for a national security emergency with further details on its implementation expected in the coming days.

President Tinubu is expected to transmit the name of a successor Defence Minister to the Senate later this week.

Advancing Nigeria’s Oil And Gas Industry

Fidelity Bank Pledges Support For Indigenous Oil And Gas Development

With strong focus on supporting Nigeria's indigenous operators in the oil and gas industry leading financial institution Fidelity Bank Plc has pledged commitment to advancing the nation's oil and gas sector.

Emadeb Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited, operator of Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL) 236, recently achieved its first oil from the Ibom Field, a milestone regarded as a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

Managing Director Chief Executive Officer Fidelity Bank Plc Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe congratulated Emadeb Energy on its milestone and reaffirmed Fidelity Bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector.

“At Fidelity Bank, we are dedicated to supporting indigenous companies in developing oil and gas assets that enhance energy security and promote sustainable growth. Our interventions include financing Nigeria’s first privately built and operated onshore crude export terminal in over fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field in Rivers State.

“We also led funding for the Pinnacle Oil and Gas Terminal in Lekki, Lagos, which improves petroleum product distribution and reduces costs. In addition, we part-financed the production of a 23,000-cubic-meter Liquefied Petroleum Gas carrier for Temile Development Company Limited, which supports cleaner energy use and strengthens local maritime participation,".

               

L – R: Executive Director -South, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON (both of Fidelity Bank Plc); Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Emadeb Energy, Mr. Adebowale Olujimi; Group Executive Director, Mrs. Olugbesoye Olujimi (both of Emadeb Energy); Executive Director -Lagos and South West, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Ken Opara; and Group Executive Director, Finance/Strategy, Emadeb Energy, Mr. Tosin Adewuyi; at the First Oil presentation event by Emadeb Energy held recently at the Fidelity Bank head office in Lagos.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Emadeb Energy; Adebowale Olujimi, expressed appreciation to the bank for its role in the energy company’s progress.

“What makes Fidelity Bank unique is its willingness to take calculated risks. Many banks prefer to work with companies only after they have achieved first oil because they want already-established customers. Fidelity Bank reviewed our proposal thoroughly, including legal, technical, financial and character assessments. We met these requirements and that is why they supported us”.

Olujimi added that the next phase would be exciting as Emadeb Energy plans to drill two additional wells as well increase production to 12,000 barrels per day by the end of 2026. After which the energy company aims to expand its gas business and raise oil output to 30,000 barrels per day,”.

Save And Gain Promo

Union Bank Unveils Campaign to Reward Smart Savers

 

Union Bank of Nigeria, one of Nigeria’s most trusted financial institutions, is excited to announce the launch of its new customer reward initiative designed to deepen engagement, drive premium account activity, and promote consistent savings behaviour among its customers.

Open to new and existing customers, the Save and Gain promo requires participants to open accounts, maintain and grow a monthly average balance of ₦50,000, complete at least five transactions monthly, and actively use digital channels such as cards, USSD, mobile, or internet banking. 

Top deposit contributors will receive monthly rewards ranging from free debit cards, cash prizes of N50,000 and N100,000, respectively, within each level of participation. A special reward of ₦30,000 cash vouchers will be awarded to top depositors and contributors for December. The grand prize of ₦5 million will be awarded to the highest average deposit contributors over the six-month campaign period.

The campaign builds on the success of the Save & Win Palli Promo, through which the bank has disbursed over ₦330 million in cash and prizes to more than 5,000 customers since 2021.

Unlike previous campaigns, Save & Gain demonstrates the bank’s focus on digital adoption and inclusion, with a performance-based reward system that prioritises transparency and consistency. 

Customers who reflect responsible account usage, maintain savings discipline, and embrace digital banking channels will be rewarded.

Prospective customers can download the UnionMobile app on their smartphones to open accounts or walk into any Union Bank branch. Returning customers can call the 24-hour Contact Centre on 07007007000 or visit any Union Bank branch nationwide to reactivate dormant accounts.

Intl' Men's Day 2025

Polaris Bank In Partnership with Men's Clinic Offer Free Prostate Cancer Screening to 250 Men

Following the remarkable success of its 2024 free prostate cancer screening programme, which delivered life-saving early detection to hundreds of Nigerian men, Polaris Bank has again partnered with the foremost Men’s Health Clinic to launch the 2025 edition of its flagship male wellness initiative themed “Men, Your Health Matters – Get Screened Today!”

Prostate cancer remains the second most common cancer among Nigerian men but its early detection offers a survival rate exceeding 98%. Building on last year’s overwhelming impact, Polaris Bank is fully sponsoring another round of comprehensive, painless, and confidential screenings that include PSA blood test, Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), and one-on-one specialist consultation at no cost whatsoever to beneficiaries.

Hence Polaris Bank promises to provide completely free prostate cancer screening for 250 men aged 40 and above from November 24 to December 31, 2025.

Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, while commenting on the initiative said the feedback and lives touched in 2024 has reaffirmed the bank's commitment to men’s health.

 He expressed delight to sustaining the tradition, removing every barrier to early detection, as well welcome more men into the Polaris Bank family with seamless, rewarding banking experiences.

On his part, Mr. Akin Oteniya, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Men’s Health Clinic, last year’s collaboration with Polaris Bank set a gold standard for corporate health responsibility in Nigeria.

Oteniya said the Men’s Health Clinic is proud to partner again in 2025 to deliver dignified expert care and continue saving lives through early intervention.

Participation is open to all men aged 40 and above. To ensure a smooth and rewarding process, every participant – whether an existing customer or not – is required to have (or open) a Polaris Bank account. Non-customers can indicate during registration if they would like to be contacted immediately to open an account in minutes with zero opening balance and no charges.

Only 250 fully sponsored slots are available strictly on first-come, first-served basis and results and personalised counselling will be provided within 48 hours.

Register today: https://bit.ly/PCScreening2025

As a result of this initiative, Polaris Bank and Men’s Health Clinic are directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting universal access to preventive healthcare, reducing non-communicable disease mortality through early detection and advancing health equity for Nigerian men.