News April 24, 2026 Transcorp Hilton Guests in Abuja Forced to Fetch Water in Buckets as FCT Water Crisis Spirals

Residents of Abuja woke up to a troubling sign of declining basic services after guests at the upscale Transcorp Hilton Abuja were handed buckets of water alongside apology letters from management. 

The notice, which began circulating widely on social media earlier in the week, revealed that the hotel had been unable to provide running water due to supply disruptions linked to the FCT Water Board. 

In response, staff resorted to distributing buckets to guests for bathing and other daily needs an unusual scene for a facility known for luxury and premium services. Reports suggest the situation persisted for several days, with management advising guests to contact the duty manager for additional water supplies where necessary. 

The incident quickly drew widespread attention, largely because the Transcorp Hilton is considered one of Nigeria’s most prestigious hotels, frequented by top government officials, corporate executives, and international visitors. 

Despite its reputation and high room rates, guests reportedly found themselves relying on manually fetched water an image that sharply contrasts with the hotel’s status and expectations. Addressing the situation, Nyesom Wike attributed the disruption to a private developer, alleging that construction activities led to damage of a major water pipeline in the area. 

He explained that repair teams had already been deployed to restore supply. “It is not our fault; it is the fault of a private developer, but we have no excuse not to restore it,” Wike said, while appealing for patience from affected residents. The water shortage has impacted several districts across the capital, including Gwarinpa, Wuse, and Garki, leaving many households scrambling for alternatives such as boreholes and water vendors often at significantly higher costs. In some areas, residents claim the disruption has stretched on for weeks. 

Compounding the problem are power challenges affecting key treatment facilities, particularly those connected to the Lower Usuma Dam, further straining the already fragile supply system. Public reaction has been swift and intense. Images of plastic buckets placed inside one of the country’s most luxurious hotels have sparked outrage and disbelief online. Many questioned how such conditions could exist in the nation’s capital, especially in a location often seen as a symbol of Nigeria’s global image. 

Others pointed out that the crisis cuts across social and economic lines, affecting both high-end establishments and ordinary households alike. The hotel’s memo, reportedly issued in mid-April, cited emergency maintenance works in the Maitama area as the immediate cause of the disruption. While the message used standard corporate language to express regret, the visual contrast between luxury surroundings and basic water storage has left a lasting impression on the public. 

Wike has indicated plans to personally inspect the damaged site and consider possible sanctions against those responsible for the incident. Meanwhile, repair efforts by the Water Board continue, although no definitive timeline has been provided for the full restoration of water supply across affected areas. 

 For many Abuja residents, the situation goes beyond inconvenience. It has disrupted daily routines, increased living costs, and placed additional strain on businesses that rely heavily on consistent water access. 

 The incident has reignited broader concerns about infrastructure reliability in the Federal Capital Territory an area many believe should reflect the highest standards in the country. As repairs continue, both residents and visitors remain uncertain about when normal service will be fully restored.

News April 24, 2026 Canada grants asylum to 3,463 Nigerians as backlog of applications grows

A total of 3,463 Nigerians were granted asylum in Canada in 2025, according to figures released by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

The development places Nigeria among the leading countries of origin for asylum seekers in Canada, alongside India, Haiti, Iran and Mexico.

The figures also indicate that a significant number of Nigerian applications remain unresolved, with 21,573 cases still pending as of the end of 2025.

During the period under review, Nigerians submitted 6,765 asylum claims.

Out of 5,039 applications processed, 3,463 were successful, while 1,377 were rejected. Additionally, 46 cases were abandoned and 153 were either withdrawn or closed for other reasons.

This translates to an approval rate of approximately 68 per cent for Nigerian applicants, marking a notable increase compared to previous years.

The outstanding 21,573 Nigerian applications contribute to a broader backlog being experienced by Canadian authorities.

In total, Canada received 107,802 asylum claims from all nationalities in 2025. However, only 50,067 of these applications were finalised, with 14,619 approvals and 7,944 rejections recorded.

Under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, Canada’s Refugee Protection Division grants asylum to individuals who demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group, or those at risk of torture if returned to their home country.

Asylum requests may be made at airports, land borders, or from within Canada. Before a claim is reviewed, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or the Canada Border Services Agency determines eligibility and conducts initial screening.

Applicants who are successful are granted protected status and may proceed to apply for permanent residency, while unsuccessful applicants are subject to deportation.

The board attributed the increase in asylum claims to rising global instability and displacement, although it noted that new claims declined by 64 per cent in the early months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2024.

News April 24, 2026 One killed, another missing as elephant invades Oyo community

Panic gripped residents of Innayin community in Oyo State on Thursday after a wild elephant reportedly invaded the area, killing one man and leaving another missing in what authorities described as a tragic wildlife encounter.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, noting that it occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on April 23, 2026.

“Upon receiving a distress call, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, swiftly mobilized to the scene,” the statement read.

According to the police, the body of 45-year-old Ibrahim Tijani was discovered in a nearby bush. “On arrival, the lifeless body of one Ibrahim Tijani ‘M’, aged 45 years, was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack,” the Command said, adding that his remains had been evacuated to the General Hospital, Iwere-Ile, for examination and preservation.

Authorities also disclosed that a second victim, identified as 50-year-old Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin, remains unaccounted for following an encounter with the same animal. “During ongoing search operations, another individual… was reported missing after an encounter with the same animal. Intensive efforts are currently underway to locate him,” the statement added.

The police reassured residents that the situation is under control, urging caution while response efforts continue. “The Command wishes to reassure residents of Innayin and adjoining communities that the situation is being closely managed, and all necessary measures are being taken to prevent further harm,” it stated, warning the public to avoid the affected area and promptly report any sightings.

The Command further emphasized the need to handle the incident in line with conservation protocols, noting that relevant agencies, including the National Park Service Nigeria, have been contacted for expert guidance.

Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, appealed for calm among residents, assuring that security operatives are fully deployed. “We understand the concerns this incident has generated within the community. Our officers are fully on ground working with relevant stakeholders to secure the area and prevent further casualties,” he said.

He added, “We appeal to residents to remain calm, avoid the affected locations, and continue to cooperate with the police and other authorities as we work to bring the situation under control in a safe and professional manner.”

The police also appreciated the cooperation of community members and called for sustained collaboration with security agencies to ensure public safety as efforts to contain the situation continue.

News April 24, 2026 CSOs knock Access Bank, Standard Chartered, UBA, Zenith over dismal ESG scores, demand reforms

A coalition of civil society organisations has criticised Nigeria’s top commercial banks over poor performance in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, revealing that they collectively scored an average of 1.7 out of 10 in a recent global-style assessment.

The group, Fair Finance Nigeria (FFNG)—which includes BudgIT, Policy Alert, CISLAC, CODE, STEPS, and Oxfam—made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja while presenting findings from what it described as Nigeria’s first detailed ESG policy review of major financial institutions.

The assessment focused on Access Bank, Standard Chartered, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and Zenith Bank, benchmarking them against over 400 international sustainability indicators.

Presenting the findings through a statement delivered by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) on Thursday in Abuja, the coalition said the results highlight serious shortcomings in transparency, accountability, and risk management across the banking sector.

“The overall average performance across the assessed banks sits at a critically low 1.7 out of 10.

“While the assessment notes relatively better performance in internal operational policies, particularly concerning labour rights, gender equality, and anti-corruption, their external financing commitments to protect host communities, the climate, and national revenue remain virtually non-existent.”

According to the report, significant deficiencies were observed in key areas such as tax transparency, climate responsibility, and corporate governance practices.

On taxation, all four banks received zero scores, with the coalition citing a lack of openness regarding country-by-country earnings and their links to entities operating in tax havens.

“A Zero on Tax Transparency: All four banks scored an average of 0.0 in the Tax assessment. By refusing to publicly provide country-by-country reporting of revenues and failing to disclose if they finance companies operating in tax havens or zero-corporate-tax areas, these institutions operate in the shadows. This severe level of opacity undermines the core principles of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) frameworks and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines, ignoring global standards designed to prevent the siphoning of vital public resources from developing nations,” the coalition said.

The report also raised concerns about the banks’ climate policies, noting a low average score of 0.9 despite Nigeria’s exposure to climate risks.

“The Climate Gap: Despite Nigeria’s extreme vulnerability to climate change, the banks averaged a shocking 0.9 out of 10 on Climate action. The report reveals that banks continue to heavily finance high-emission sectors like oil and gas without publishing credible, portfolio-level transition strategies or requiring client-level emissions reductions,” it stated.

In addition, the coalition criticised what it described as inadequate protections for human rights and biodiversity in the banks’ financing activities.

“Profiting Without Protection: The assessment shows that these banks provide zero or weak commitments to safeguarding human rights, and biodiversity within their wider investment portfolios and corporate supply chains.”

Reacting, Oxfam Nigeria’s Country Director, Tijani Hamza Ahmed, said financial institutions must take responsibility for the broader consequences of their operations.

“Nigerian banks have massive influence; their choices can either accelerate inequality and environmental harm or drive a just and sustainable future. Right now, they are failing that test,” he said.

“Scoring a 0.0 on tax transparency and a 0.9 on climate change is unacceptable. These institutions are reaping massive profits from high-impact sectors while refusing to be held accountable for the social and environmental footprints of their decisions. This is not just a disclosure gap; it is a failure of leadership in the financial sector.”

Among the institutions reviewed, Standard Chartered posted the highest score at 2.7, a performance largely linked to its global policy framework, although the coalition questioned how effectively such standards are applied within Nigeria.

The group also took aim at the 2012 Nigerian Sustainability Banking Principles (NSBP), describing them as outdated and no longer fit for purpose.

It urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), the Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN), lawmakers, and bank executives to convene a broad stakeholder forum to reform ESG regulations in line with international best practices.

The coalition further called on banks to go beyond symbolic compliance and demonstrate genuine accountability in their financing decisions.

The assessment was based on publicly available policies of the four banks and scored them across multiple ESG indicators on a scale of 0 to 10, where 1.0 represents full commitment and 0.0 indicates no evidence of compliance.

News April 24, 2026 Gunmen kill Adamawa pastor in midnight attack

Gunmen have reportedly shot dead a pastor, Emmanuel Ezeoikwe, in Zinal Village, located in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

It was gathered that the attack took place in the early hours of Tuesday at the residence of the deceased.

Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed that the matter was reported to the police around 6:30am.

“On April 21, 2026, at about 6:30am, the command received a report that at about 12:48am on the same date, suspected gunmen invaded the village and shot the victim.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives of the command swiftly moved to the scene, where they found the lifeless body of the victim and rushed him to a hospital.

“He was, however, confirmed dead by a medical doctor, while the corpse was deposited in the hospital morgue for autopsy,” the statement read.

Nguroje further revealed that three empty AK-47 shells were recovered from the scene of the attack.

He added that the command had launched an investigation into the killing, noting that the Commissioner of Police, Kabir Hassan, had directed a discreet probe while deploying tactical teams to apprehend those responsible.

The police spokesperson also appealed to residents to remain calm and assist security agencies with credible information that could aid the investigation.

News April 24, 2026 Kenya President fires back at Tinubu, mocks Nigeria over economy, English proficiency

Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has pushed back against recent remarks by Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, criticising both the country’s economic realities and its use of English.

The diplomatic back-and-forth began after Tinubu, during a visit to Bayelsa State, commissioned major infrastructure projects and defended his administration’s handling of the economy despite growing concerns over fuel costs.

“It is very important that we are honest with our people. Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let us thank God together, that you are better off. Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries and what they are going through. We will not look back. We will continue to fine way to ameliorate the sufferings of the vulnerable,” Tinubu had said.

In a viral video response, Ruto rejected the comparison, highlighting Nigeria’s long-standing infrastructure challenges, particularly unreliable electricity, while also taking a swipe at how English is spoken in the country.

“Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speak English, you’ll need a translator. We’ve the best human capital anywhere in the world,” Ruto said, using humour to defend his country’s standing.

The exchange comes at a time when many African economies are under pressure, with rising fuel prices driven partly by global supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting key oil routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Reactions have since poured in across social media platforms, with users criticising both the comparison and the tone of the leaders’ remarks.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, a user, Bureau-39, wrote, “Let’s not drag the whole country into this shit between two incompetent mad corrupt politicians. Both the countries speak good English, Kenya leans toward a clearer, more British-influenced style, while Nigeria mixes it with rich local flair and pidgin that can sound like its own dialect.”

Another commenter, Frank Bryant, questioned the premise of the debate, saying, “Why should Africans be competing over who speaks the colonial masters language very well?”

Xave added, “and you think they would listen to you the only thing Africans are good at is fighting amongst themselves.”

Obiridike commented, “They will do that Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are thieves and drug peddlers.”

Similarly, Michael James echoed, “They will do that Ghanaians and South Africans say all Nigerians are thieves and drug peddlers.”

Despite being one of Africa’s leading oil producers, Nigeria continues to face challenges including inflation, exchange rate volatility and inconsistent power supply.

Kenya, meanwhile, has established itself as a key hub for finance and technology in East Africa, although it is not without its own economic difficulties, such as rising public debt and increasing living costs.

(DAILY TRUST)

News April 24, 2026 APC announces fresh 2027 election timetable, shifts presidential primary

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has adjusted its timetable for the 2027 general elections, rescheduling the party’s presidential primary to May 23.

The update was disclosed on Thursday in Abuja by the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, following the 186th NWC meeting.

Meseko explained that the presidential primary, which had earlier been slated for May 15, will now take place on Saturday, May 23, alongside other changes reflected in the revised schedule.

He also noted that Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for all elective offices remain accessible to aspirants across the country.

According to him, the review became necessary to align with provisions of the amended Constitution, the 2026 Electoral Act, and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“This is the newest timetable reflecting updated legal and procedural requirements,” Meseko said.

He further revealed that the revised timetable has already been formally transmitted to INEC in line with electoral regulations.

Under the new schedule, sale of nomination forms will commence on Saturday, April 25, and close on Saturday, May 2, while the submission deadline for completed forms is Monday, May 4.

Meseko added that screening of aspirants for all positions, from State Houses of Assembly to the presidential level, will take place between May 6 and May 9.

He stated that presidential aspirants will be screened on Saturday, May 9, with the outcome for all categories to be released on Monday, May 11.

He explained that the primaries will be conducted in phases, covering legislative, senatorial, governorship and presidential contests on different dates.

Meseko dismissed claims that nomination forms were being restricted, maintaining that the process remains open to all eligible aspirants within the party.

“I am here to inform all party faithful that nomination forms are open to all aspirants seeking elective offices,” he said.

On the mode of primaries, he said the NWC approved both direct and consensus options, as allowed by the Electoral Act, depending on prevailing conditions.

He emphasised that any consensus arrangement must be based on agreement among aspirants and key stakeholders before adoption by party organs.

“Where consensus fails or is rejected by any aspirant, the party automatically reverts to direct primary elections,” he explained.

He also indicated that state chapters have the authority to determine the mode of primaries suitable for their respective states.

Speaking on Zamfara, Meseko disclosed that internal party congresses had been scheduled, beginning with ward, local government and state congresses from April 28.

“Ward congresses will hold on April 30, while state congresses and appeal processes are expected to conclude by May 3,” he said.

He assured members that the updated national membership register, including new entrants, has been submitted to INEC.

Meseko added that the APC has completed all necessary administrative and regulatory requirements ahead of its 2027 primary elections.