Used Vehicle Imports Jump to N250bn as Government Tightens Regulations

Nigeria’s expenditure on imported used vehicles climbed sharply to N249.84 billion in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a significant increase despite the Federal Government’s stricter regulatory measures on automobile imports.

According to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics report for Q1 2026, the country imported pre-owned diesel and semi-diesel vehicles with engine capacities exceeding 2,500cc valued at N249.84 billion. This represents a 91.92 per cent rise compared to the N113.36 billion recorded during the same period in 2025.

The surge comes as authorities intensify enforcement of a newly introduced mandatory vehicle certification policy aimed at strengthening oversight of imported automobiles entering the country.

The report identified the United States as Nigeria’s leading supplier of used vehicles, accounting for imports worth N217.56 billion, which constituted approximately 87 per cent of the total value recorded in the quarter.

Other countries that contributed to Nigeria’s used vehicle imports include the United Arab Emirates with N10.32 billion, Canada with N8.72 billion, Italy with N6.64 billion, and China with N6.60 billion.

Industry observers say the continued demand for fairly used vehicles highlights the growing preference for affordable transportation options amid prevailing economic challenges.

IJEBULAND SET FOR 2026 AGEMO FESTIVAL

Preparations are in top gear for the 2026 Agemo Festival in Ijebuland, with organisers announcing that this year’s celebrations will commence on July 4 and continue on July 5, 2026.

The opening phase of the revered cultural event will feature the traditional movement of Agemo masquerades from various Ijebu communities to Imosan-Ijebu, the historic meeting point where key festival rites are observed.

As part of the annual procession, the masquerades are expected to pass through several towns and major roads across Ogun State, including the Epe/Oke-Owa, Isiwo, Omu/Ala/Egbe/Ejinrin, Erunwon/Oke-Aje, and Ijebu-Imushin/Ilese/Army Barracks routes, as well as sections of the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

Festival authorities identified the recognised procession corridors as Epe-Ijebu-Ode, Isiwo-Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Imushin-Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye-Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu-Ijebu-Ode, Lagos Garage-Ijebu-Ode, Ibadan Road/Ibadan Garage-Ijebu-Ode, and Okun-Owa-Ijebu-Ode routes.

The Erinlu Roundabout in Ijebu-Ode has been designated as the central convergence point before the masquerades proceed to Imosan-Ijebu.

Motorists and residents have been advised to anticipate temporary traffic disruptions and diversions along affected routes during the procession. Members of the public are urged to cooperate with security personnel and festival officials to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.

Organisers also reminded residents to observe established cultural traditions associated with the festival. Women, in particular, have been advised to take note of customary guidelines and plan their movements accordingly from noon on the festival days.

Widely regarded as one of the most important cultural festivals in Yorubaland, the Agemo Festival continues to showcase the rich heritage, customs, and unity of the Ijebu people while attracting widespread attention from visitors and cultural enthusiasts.

7th Synod: Prof Ogunye, Jumlar, Others Awarded as Fellows of Diocese

Diocese of Ijebu-North Church of Nigeria, Anglican communion, on Thursday, honoured Chief(Mrs) Ibiilola Aduke Banjo Solaja, popularly known as Jumlar, with Fellow of the Diocese Award at the 7th Synod of the Diocese.

The award ceremony took place at the Cathedral of St.Mathew, Ojowo Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun-State.

Other Awardees include Prof. Francis Ayodele Ogunye (Dsc FAEng), Chief Engr.Adebayo Dayo, Secretary to Ogun State Govt, Chief Tokunbo Talabi, Dr.Akinwumi Adesina CON.

Also awarded were Engr.Oludayo Oluyemi, Very Rev. Ademola Adedayo(RTD), Prince Dr.Feyisayo Soyewo MFR, Evangelist (Chief) Mrs.Tejumade Olabisi Rowaiye.

The dignitaries who graced the occasion are, the Secretary of Ijebu-Igbo Council of Elders, Otunba Remi Ogunbanjo and Kegbo of Atikori, Oba Ibitoye Solaja.

Tragedy Strikes Ijebu Igbo as Mother and Son, Man Found Dead In Home

Tragedy strikes the Egbe Subair area of Ijebu Igbo following the shocking discovery of a Mother, her boyfriend and son found dead inside their residence on Wednesday morning.

Information gathered from the scene, revealed that the man, popularly called shanko and the woman were reportedly found dead inside the toilet, while her son was discovered lifeless in a room within the house.

According to preliminary reports circulating within the community, the family may have been poisoned.

Although authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of death, there may have been a struggle before their deaths, due to the level damaged items found at the scene.

The tragic incident has caused widespread heartbreak and attention in the area, with concerned residents gathering around as the news spread all over town.

Police officers and other security personnel were seen at the scene on Wednesday morning, carrying out investigations and gathering evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

As of the time of filing this report, officials have yet to release a formal statement regarding the cause of the incident or the identities of the deceased.

2027 Candidate nomination portal access codes to be released June 26, says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that access codes that will allow political parties to begin uploading candidates’ details for the 2027 general elections through its nomination portal will be released June 26, 2026.

The Commission’s Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, made the announcement in Abuja on Tuesday, during a quarterly meeting with leaders of registered political parties.

According to him, the step follows the completion of party primaries on May 30, 2026, adding that the access codes will be issued to authorised national officers of each political party, who will be responsible for uploading nominees’ biodata and other required information into the system.

Amupitan cautioned that the process must be taken seriously. He therefore urged parties to ensure their ICT personnel are fully prepared ahead of the exercise, as deadlines would be strictly followed.

Protesters storm National Assembly over level of Insecurity

Nigerians staged a protest in Abuja, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent steps to address the worsening insecurity across the country.

The protesters, operating under the banner ‘Nigerians Unite Against Terror’, on Tuesday, marched peacefully from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to the National Assembly, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs as they demanded stronger action against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

The convener of the protest, Isah Abubakar, while addressing journalists at the National Assembly complex, stated that bandits do not care about party or faith.

He emphasized that the government’s first duty is to protect its people, but lasting security will require everyone’s involvement.

Abubakar, therefore, called on service chiefs and lawmakers to act with urgency and sincerity, and urged citizens to join with the government in restoring peace and security across the country.

Witness Says Emefiele’s Case Suspects Confessed to Fraud

The 14th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that some suspects confessed to the fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23m from the apex bank.

Emefiele is standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Maitama Division of the court on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of $6,230,000.

The money was said to be meant for international election observers during the 2023 general election.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had accused the former CBN governor of conferring corrupt advantages on two firms, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

UN chief asks South Africa to end xenophobia

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged South Africa to end xenophobic attacks and the intimidation of foreign nationals in the country.

Guterres, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Stéphane Dujarric, expressed deep concern over the situation and strongly condemned criminal acts and incitement to violence against migrants in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Province.

He reminded the international community that South Africa’s struggle against apartheid was built on a foundation of global and African solidarity.

“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society,” he said.

The UN chief noted that South Africa’s development has long been shaped by the contributions of people from across the continent.

Pay row: FG meets SSANU, NASU leadership Wednesday

The Federal Government has invited the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions to a meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in a bid to avert the looming strike by the two university-based unions.

The strike threat followed the ongoing row on the proposed 30 per cent pay rise for the unions, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.

In a letter earlier addressed to the National Universities Commission, National Commission for Colleges of Education and National Board for Technical Education, announced a 30 per cent pay rise in salaries of non-academics in Federal Government-controlled universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The Joint Action Committee of SSANU and the NASU demanded that the government withdraw the controversial letter allegedly approving the 30 per cent salary increase or risk a nationwide shutdown of public universities.

In a letter signed by the Secretary General of the JAC, Peters Adeyemi, and President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, on behalf of the unions, the workers described the development as shocking and unacceptable.

El-Rufai pleads not guilty to amended wiretapping charges

The Department of State Services on Thursday, arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged unlawful interception of communications and breach of national security.

El-Rufai, who appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

At the resumed proceedings, DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), informed the court that the matter was fixed for the defendant to take his plea, adding that a further amended five-count charge was filed on April 13.

He urged the court to substitute the earlier three-count charge with the amended one.

Counsel to the defendant, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed he had been served with the amended charge and indicated that he was not opposing the substitution.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 18, 19, and 20 for hearing.