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Nigeria News (Standard)

FIFA President Infantino Condemns US Denial of Entry to Somali Referee Ahead of World Cup

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, first Somali official selected for World Cup, blocked despite valid FIFA credentials; global football bodies express concern

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Omar Abdulkadir Artan, first Somali official selected for World Cup, blocked despite valid FIFA credentials; global football bodies express concern

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described as “unfortunate” the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan by United States authorities ahead of the 2026 World Cup, raising fresh concerns over visa and travel challenges facing African officials. The incident occurred in the build-up to the tournament scheduled to begin in June across several US cities.

Artan, who was set to make history as the first-ever Somali referee appointed for a FIFA World Cup, was reportedly stopped at a US port of entry despite possessing all necessary FIFA credentials. The move has triggered worry among stakeholders in African football and renewed scrutiny of procedures affecting officials participating in international competitions.

The exclusion comes as Nigeria and other African nations look forward to representation at the global event. Observers note that such incidents could discourage officials from emerging football nations, impacting broader efforts to increase African presence at the highest levels of international sport.

In a statement on Tuesday, Infantino called the situation “unfortunate,” highlighting the need for improved support and coordination between host countries and FIFA. He said, “We are working closely with relevant authorities to address such challenges and ensure all qualified officials are able to participate without hindrance.” No immediate response was available from US immigration authorities as at press time.

Football analysts say Artan’s case underscores longstanding concerns about travel restrictions facing African sports professionals. With the World Cup approaching, FIFA is expected to engage both US officials and affected federations to prevent further disruptions. Meanwhile, Nigerian football authorities have not commented publicly on the matter but are monitoring developments closely.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/somalia-referees-case-is-unfortunate-fifa-boss-infantino/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

EFCC Chairman Olukoyede Reveals Governorship Aspirants Spend Up to ₦30bn on Elections Nationwide

Anti-graft agency links rising campaign costs to increased corruption and vote buying ahead of 2027 general elections

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14 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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Anti-graft agency links rising campaign costs to increased corruption and vote buying ahead of 2027 general elections

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that governorship aspirants in Nigeria spend between ₦20 billion and ₦30 billion in their quest to win elections. Olukoyede made this known on Tuesday during a public lecture at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, warning that the escalating cost of electioneering is undermining transparency and democratic values across the country.

According to Olukoyede, the heavy financial burden starts from party primaries and continues through to the general elections, making political contests highly capital-intensive. He noted that this trend has become a major driver of corruption in governance, as politicians who emerge victorious often feel compelled to recover their campaign expenses once in office.

The EFCC chairman expressed concern that such spending patterns are fuelling vote buying and other forms of financial inducement, thereby distorting the will of the electorate. He added that these practices erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and weaken the credibility of the electoral process. “When elections become excessively expensive, governance suffers, as leaders may prioritise recouping campaign funds instead of focusing on service delivery,” Olukoyede said during his address.

Olukoyede also stressed that this development raises serious concerns ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially as political actors continue to disregard existing regulations on campaign financing. He called for stricter enforcement of electoral spending limits and stronger institutional frameworks to curb the influence of money in politics. “Tackling corruption in our political system requires addressing the root causes, including the rising cost of seeking public office,” he stated.

Nigeria’s electoral process has faced repeated criticism for being heavily monetised, with stakeholders urging reforms to lower financial barriers for candidates. The EFCC’s latest warning adds to calls for urgent action from government and political parties before the next election cycle. Attention is now focused on how institutions will respond to these challenges amid ongoing discussions on electoral reforms.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/efcc-reveals-how-governorship-aspirants-spend-up-to-naira30bn-to-contest-elections-2026061113543464113

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Aviation Ground Handlers Suspend Max Air Flights Nationwide Over ₦9bn Debt

AGHAN says decision affects all domestic routes as airline fails to negotiate payment; other carriers continue talks

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June 11, 2026

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AGHAN says decision affects all domestic routes as airline fails to negotiate payment; other carriers continue talks

Max Air’s domestic flight operations across Nigeria were suspended on Thursday after the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) halted ground handling services to the airline over an outstanding debt of ₦9 billion. The enforcement action, which took effect nationwide, marks AGHAN’s first major clampdown on a defaulting carrier in recent years.

According to AGHAN Chairman, Mr Olaniyi Adigun, the association took the step following Max Air’s refusal to engage in any form of reconciliation or settlement talks regarding its debt. He stated that while other indebted airlines are currently negotiating and reconciling their accounts with ground handling companies, Max Air has repeatedly ignored efforts aimed at resolving the dispute.

Adigun explained that the financial strain caused by Max Air’s non-payment had become unsustainable for ground handling companies, which provide essential ramp and passenger services at airports across Nigeria. “We took this decisive action because Max Air refused to negotiate with us. While the other debtor airlines are negotiating, Max Air has blatantly refused,” he said on Thursday.

The suspension affects all Max Air flights within Nigeria, leaving passengers stranded and disrupting travel plans in major cities including Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt. Industry stakeholders say the move highlights growing concerns about airlines’ ability to settle operational debts amid rising costs in the aviation sector. Airline sources indicate that some affected passengers are seeking refunds or alternative bookings, while travel agencies face increased pressure to manage cancellations.

With AGHAN maintaining its stance, industry watchers expect further dialogue between the association and Max Air management before any resumption of services can be considered. The development also signals a warning to other carriers with outstanding obligations that stricter enforcement measures may follow if debts remain unresolved.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/aviation-business/n9bn-debt-ground-handlers-ground-max-air-operations-nationwide/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

House of Representatives Passes State Police Bill in Landmark Abuja Session

Legislation aims to decentralise policing powers; move sparks debate over security and constitutional amendment requirements

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40 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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Legislation aims to decentralise policing powers; move sparks debate over security and constitutional amendment requirements

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, marking a significant step towards decentralising security architecture in the country. The session, which took place at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on 11 June, saw lawmakers vote overwhelmingly in favour of the proposal after prolonged deliberations.

The bill’s passage follows months of pressure from various stakeholders calling for more localised control of security operations amid persistent insecurity in several regions. Lawmakers debated provisions for recruitment, oversight, and funding of the proposed state police forces before agreeing to forward the bill to the next legislative stage.

Advocates argue that state police will enhance rapid response to crime and address peculiar security challenges facing states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, and Rivers. However, critics warn that without strong safeguards, state governors may abuse policing powers for political ends. The legislation also faces hurdles as it requires constitutional amendment, demanding concurrence from two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly.

Supporters within the House described the move as historic. “This bill represents a bold step towards empowering states to secure their people,” one lawmaker said during plenary. Opposition members urged caution, stressing the need for clear guidelines to prevent potential misuse by state executives.

With the House’s approval secured, attention now shifts to the Senate and state legislatures. If enacted, Nigeria will join countries like the United States and India with multi-level policing systems. Analysts say successful implementation could improve public trust in law enforcement but caution that funding and operational independence will be critical challenges moving forward.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/886852-breaking-reps-pass-bill-for-establishment-of-state-police.html

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