Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Federal Government says 1,859 Nigerian families across 25 states have accessed a total of N128 billion in housing loans under its expanded mortgage intervention scheme, as part of efforts to tackle the country’s deep housing deficit. President Bola Tinubu disclosed the development on Tuesday, noting that the beneficiaries obtained long-term mortgages through the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund at a single-digit fixed interest rate of 9.75 per cent, repayable over 20 years. He said the intervention marks a major shift in housing finance accessibility, especially for middle- and low-income Nigerians who have long been locked out of formal mortgage…

The Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has declared that no individual or group has the authority to restrict his movement anywhere within the country, following renewed controversy over his visit to Ibadan, Oyo State, late last year. Gumi, who has recently faced public criticism and allegations bordering on attempts to promote “Islamisation” narratives in parts of the South-West, insisted that his presence in Ibadan was purely in a representative capacity and not at the invitation of any southern Muslim group or individual. In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, the cleric said his visit to the ancient…

… Bill Targets End Of Re-election Politics, says Bamidele … Proposal To Be Prioritised By 11th National Assembly After 2027 Polls Daud Olatunji Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed that the incoming 11th Senate will consider a sweeping constitutional reform bill seeking to replace the current two-term system for presidents and state governors with a single six-year tenure after the 2027 general elections. Bamidele said the proposed legislation, which he intends to sponsor at the inauguration of the next National Assembly, is designed to reduce what he described as governance distractions linked to re-election politics and campaign cycles. Speaking in…

…Obi alleges reckless borrowing under Tinubu …Aides defend record, cite inherited obligations Daud Olatunji The controversy over Nigeria’s rising public debt intensified on Tuesday as former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the Federal Government traded fresh accusations over claims that the country’s debt profile has climbed to about ₦200tn. Obi accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of engaging in “reckless and unexplained borrowing,” insisting that Nigerians deserve full disclosure on how trillions of naira in loans have been spent amid worsening economic conditions. In a statement posted on his verified X handle, Obi alleged that Nigeria’s debt stock had…

Nigeria’s pension industry has recorded a major milestone, with total pension assets under management rising to over ₦32 trillion—about 10.4 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the National Pension Commission (National Pension Commission) has said. The development coincides with a four-member delegation from Kenya’s Retirement Benefits Authority (Retirement Benefits Authority), which is currently in Abuja on a technical study visit to understudy Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) framework and regulatory architecture. The Kenyan team, led by John Keah, Director of Market Conduct and Industry Development, is in Nigeria for a four-day engagement themed “Risk-Based Supervision and ESG…

The Nigerian military and the United States Africa Command (United States Africa Command (AFRICOM)) have strengthened their counter-terrorism partnership, confirming expanded intelligence sharing, training programmes and joint military operations aimed at degrading terrorist networks across Nigeria. Senior officials from both sides disclosed the development during a virtual X Space session on Tuesday titled “Strengthening Security Through Strategic Information Sharing: United States and Nigerian Military Partnership Against Terrorism.” The engagement brought together representatives of the Nigerian Armed Forces, AFRICOM, and members of the public, amid renewed scrutiny of foreign military involvement in Nigeria’s internal security operations. The partnership, which gained momentum…

Tension has heightened in Ogun State political circle following allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifo Local Government stormed the residence of elder statesman, Chief Joju Fadairo, in an alleged attempt to compel him to withdraw his support for PDP chieftain, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the PDP accused the APC “apex leadership” in Ifo of mounting pressure on the respected community leader following his open declaration of support for Adebutu during a visit to his residence on Monday, June 8, 2026. According to the party,…

The International Monetary Fund has said that while Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are yielding positive macroeconomic outcomes, poverty levels in the country have worsened, with over 60 per cent of the population now living below the poverty line. In its latest assessment of Africa’s largest economy, the IMF noted that policy measures introduced under President Bola Tinubu — including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate liberalisation, and tax reforms — have strengthened economic resilience and improved fiscal stability. However, the Fund warned that the gains have yet to translate into improved living conditions for a majority of Nigerians. “Strong reforms over…

The House of Representatives has summoned key security and financial officials to explain the utilisation of funds released to security agencies, as concerns mount over worsening insecurity across the country. Those invited include the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olugede; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu ; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi. Also summoned are the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed. The resolution followed deliberations on a series of motions on insecurity adopted during plenary on Tuesday. The Green Chamber said the invited officials…

…Gunshots rock Osun capital as parties trade blame …Police yet to respond amid rising pre-election tension One person has been confirmed dead while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries following a violent clash between supporters of the All Progressives Congress and the Accord Party in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Tuesday. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the violence, which triggered panic across the city, was accompanied by sporadic gunfire reported in areas including Owode, Aisu, Olaiya and Oke-Fia, forcing residents and motorists to flee for safety. The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party, in a statement signed by…