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US pushes plan to disarm Hamas, rebuild Gaza

United States Vice President JD Vance warned Wednesday of the tough task ahead in disarming Hamas and building a peaceful future for Gaza, as Washington sought to reassure its ally Israel over the next steps in its ambitious ceasefire deal.

Vance met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the second day of a trip to Israel, part of a diplomatic blitz in support of the US-brokered plan to end the fighting, recover hostages and, eventually, rebuild the devastated Palestinian territory.

“We have a very, very tough task ahead of us, which is to disarm Hamas but rebuild Gaza, to make life better for the people of Gaza, but also to ensure that Hamas is no longer a threat to our friends in Israel,” Vance said.

Vance had kicked off the three-day visit on Tuesday by opening the Civil-Military Coordination Centre in southwest Israel, where US and allied troops will work with Israeli forces to monitor the truce and to oversee aid to Gaza.

Turkish troops?

“A lot of our Israeli friends working together with a lot of Americans to actually mediate this entire ceasefire process, to get some of the critical infrastructure off the ground, ” Vance said, after talks with Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

Vance cited an “international security force” as one of the bodies that would have to be set up. Under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, this military mission would keep the peace in Gaza as Israel withdraws.

Several US allies are considering joining the force, but no American troops would be on the ground inside Gaza, instead coordinating from the CMCC in Kiryat Gat, Israel.

Reports that Israel’s outspoken critic and regional rival Turkey could provide troops have rattled Israeli opinion.

Netanyahu said decisions on the new security force would be made in discussion with the United States, but on Turkey’s role he said: “I have very strong opinions about that. You want to guess what they are?”

‘Great optimism’

Despite an eruption of violence on Sunday, when two soldiers were killed and Israel responded with a deadly wave of air strikes, Vance expressed “great optimism” that the ceasefire would hold and the plan to end the war proceed.

Netanyahu and his wife Sara welcomed Vance and the US Second Lady Usha Vance to his office and the couples sat down for breakfast, followed by a working meeting and a televised news conference.

The Israeli leader, who has been criticised by some domestic opponents for accepting the US-backed ceasefire before Hamas was fully destroyed and before all the remains of deceased hostages are returned, defended the deal.

“We’ve been able to do two things. Put the knife up to Hamas’s throat. That was the military effort guided by Israel,” he said, thanking Trump for his diplomatic efforts in the broader Middle East, smoothing relations with Israel’s neighbours.

“And the other effort was to isolate Hamas and the Arab and Muslim world, which I think the president did brilliantly with his team. So those two things produced the hostages,” Netanyahu said.

Vance also championed the Gaza deal’s role as a “critical piece in unlocking the Abraham Accords” — a Trump administration plan to build relations between Israel and its former foes in the Arab world.

‘Very, very fragile’

Israel responded to its soldiers’ deaths on Sunday with an intense wave of bombings that the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry said killed 45 Palestinians. Hamas denies any role in the killings.

Despite the violence, Hamas has continued to hand over the remains of deceased hostages in small numbers as part of the ceasefire deal, and Palestinians have welcomed the truce, their cities lying in ruins.

Displaced civilian Imran Skeik, 34, living in a tent in Al-Saraya Square in the Al-Rimal neighbourhood in Gaza City, told AFP: “The situation is much better — the war has stopped, and there are no sounds of bombs and shelling like before.

“We hope the ceasefire continues and that Israel and Hamas both stick to it. We’ve started to get some rest, but there are still many problems. Will we have to stay in tents — another kind of suffering?”

Hostage remains

The Israeli military said Wednesday the remains of two more hostages returned the day before had been identified as Aryeh Zalmanovich and Master Sergeant Tamir Adar.

Zalmanovich, 85 at the time of his death, was abducted from his home in kibbutz Nir Oz and killed in captivity on November 17, 2023, the military said.

The soldier Adar, 38 when he died, was killed while fighting to defend Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and his body was taken captive, it said.

The militants have now released 15 of the 28 hostage bodies pledged to be returned under the deal, but Hamas has said the search is hampered by the level of destruction in the territory.

The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has killed at least 68,229 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the UN considers credible.

Hamas’s 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

AFP

Tinubu approves two-year tenure extension for Surveyor-General

President Bola Tinubu has approved a two-year tenure extension for the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr. AbuduGaniyu Adebomehin.

The move is aimed at consolidating ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s geospatial data systems and national land administration, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement released on Wednesday.

The extension will take effect from January 5, 2026, and follows the recent transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation to the Presidency.

The transfer places geospatial intelligence and national surveying operations directly under the executive arm.

Adebomehin’s two-year extension will see him serve until January 2028.

According to Onanuga, “The President expects Mr Adebomehin to consolidate the reforms within the next two years, focusing on national land management and administration, highways and abutting land infrastructure coordination, reclamation and erosion control programmes, and other related matters of strategic national importance.”

Adebomehin was appointed the Surveyor-General of the Federation by the late President Muhammadu Buhari, effective January 5, 2022.

Reps to probe green energy projects in MDAs

The House of Representatives is set to investigate the domiciliation of green energy projects in inappropriate government entities to prevent substandard implementation and loss of public funds.

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance at Wednesday’s plenary, sponsored by the member representing Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi.

The Federal Government, through its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, is currently funding numerous green and renewable energy projects aimed at promoting sustainable power generation, reducing carbon emissions, and improving access to clean energy, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

However, reports indicate that some of these projects, including solar mini-grids, wind farms, and other renewable energy initiatives, have been domiciled with entities and institutions that lack the technical expertise, professional competence, or statutory mandate to effectively execute or supervise them.

Speaking on the motion, the Labour Party lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as “the misplacement or inappropriate domiciliation of projects,” noting that it undermines the objectives of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan.

He said, “The House is concerned that this encourages duplication of efforts, delays implementation timelines, and often results in substandard or abandoned projects, thereby wasting public funds and eroding public trust.

“The House is worried that the lack of due diligence and proper inter-agency coordination in assigning such projects has led to inefficiency, poor monitoring, and loss of value in the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in rural electrification and public sector energy efficiency programmes.

“The effective management and domiciliation of green energy projects with competent and appropriate agencies such as the Rural Electrification Agency, Energy Commission of Nigeria, and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, among others, are critical for ensuring technical quality, sustainability, and accountability in project delivery.”

Onuakalusi further warned that the continued mismanagement and misplacement of green energy projects could derail Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and the Paris Climate Agreement, with grave consequences for environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Renewable Energy to investigate the reported domiciliation of green and renewable energy projects across MDAs to determine compliance with due process, capacity standards, and statutory mandates.

The Committee is also to identify cases where renewable energy projects have been misplaced, mismanaged, or underperformed due to domiciliation with inappropriate entities and recommend corrective measures, including sanctions where necessary.

Additionally, the House directed the Federal Government, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Bureau of Public Procurement, to ensure that future green energy projects are domiciled strictly with competent, legally mandated, and technically qualified institutions, as recommended by the Committee on Renewable Energy.

It also urged the Federal Ministry of Power and the Energy Commission of Nigeria to develop a clear framework for inter-agency coordination and delineation of responsibilities in implementing renewable and green energy initiatives, and to report back to the House Committee on Renewable Energy within four weeks.

Furthermore, the House proposed an urgent amendment to the Electric Power Sector Reform Act to align existing legislation with Nigeria’s renewable energy objectives.

Niger gov mourns as 35 killed in tanker explosion

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has expressed condolences to the families of the victims of a tanker explosion that claimed no fewer than 35 lives and left 17 people hospitalised.

Bago, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Tuesday evening, described the incident as “worrisome, unfortunate, and pathetic.”

PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident happened at about 2.40 p.m. when the tanker fell on its side in a lone accident.

The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement sent to our correspondent on Tuesday, disclosed that following the accident, some residents had gone to the scene to scoop the spilt petrol.

He noted that while the residents were scooping the spilt content, fire engulfed the tanker.

Abiodun stated, “Today, October 21, 2025, at about 2.40 p.m., a report was received from the DPO of Katcha Division that there was a lone tanker vehicle accident along the Bida/Agaie highway, and as a result, the tanker conveying PMS fell by the roadside.

“Unfortunately, members of the public living around Essa village via Katcha rushed to the scene and were scooping PMS, and in the process, the tanker was suddenly engulfed in an inferno.”

He noted that out of the 48 victims affected by the fire, 31 people lost their lives at the spot of the incident, while 17 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“Sadly, forty-eight persons were affected by the fire, and among these victims, thirty-one persons lost their lives, while others are still receiving treatment in various nearby hospitals. Three motorcycles were also burnt.

“Teams of Policemen and other security agencies were moved to the scene for a rescue operation. Further investigation is ongoing to identify the driver and the owner of the said tanker,” Abiodun concluded.

Reacting, Bago prayed for the repose of the lives of the victims while expressing displeasure towards the act of petrol scooping.

“The farmer governor prays that Allah will repose the souls of those who died in the explosion and grant quick recovery to the injured.

“He says it is disheartening how people have continued to approach a fallen tanker to scoop its contents despite several sensitisation on the danger of such action.

“The farmer governor enjoins the people to value their lives no matter the situation,” Ibrahim stated in part.

The tragedy adds to the growing list of tanker-related explosions across the country.

PUNCH Metro reported in January that no fewer than 70 persons were burnt to death while scooping petrol from a crashed tanker in Niger State.

Similarly, a recent investigation by PUNCH Metro revealed that more than 400 people have died in tanker explosions nationwide over the past year, prompting the Federal Government to launch a national awareness campaign on the dangers of petrol scooping.

No past government can match Tinubu’s record in FCT — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged past administrations to show records that they have done more projects than the administration of President Bola Tinubu, since the inception of the federal capital.

Wike made the statement on Tuesday during the commissioning of the newly provided Engineering Infrastructure in Wuye District, ending his over one month of projects flag-off and commissioning across the FCT.

Among the projects flagged off were 12 new roads across various districts, Lot 1 of the Light Up Abuja Solar Streetlight projects, provision of access roads to the Mabushi Bus terminal, the construction and expansion of water supply to satellite towns (Lot 1 and 2), and, recently the flag-off of the construction of 600-bed hostels for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari.

The minister said the record of the Tinubu-led administration showed a form of leadership committed to changing the lives of the people, daring anyone who had such records to “speak now or forever remain silent.”

“I want to challenge anybody who would say in the history of the FCT, in any administration, who has beaten the record of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“If there is any administration since the inception of the Federal Capital Territory that has beaten this record of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, let him speak up now, or forever remain silent. What does it show? It shows leadership that is committed, it shows leadership that is willing to change the lives of the people,” he said.

The minister noted that the road project was awarded in 2009, adding that the President Tinubu administration had “shamed the opposition” and changed the narrative in the FCT, noting that the FCTA will soon begin the commissioning of renovated schools in the territory.

“This contract was awarded in 2009. For those of you who are good at Mathematics and Arithmetic, how many years is that? 16 years. It was awarded in 2009. Was Bola Ahmed Tinubu the President of Nigeria in 2009? Was this road completed?

“We have changed the narrative. We have shamed the opposition. Tinubu’s administration has changed the narrative in the FCT. Tell the opposition to come and see that the FCT is working. So, I’m happy,” he said.

Wike also assured contesting Area Council Chairmen of his support, reiterating that he would support anyone who supported President Tinubu, adding that there would be “a political tsunami” very soon.

“For all of you who are running election and are supporting Mr President, be assured, I will also support you. I have no regrets. I said here, if you are supporting Asiwaju, I’m going to support you.

“Anywhere you are, the moment I know you are with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you get my support one hundred per cent. So, if you know you have not changed your mind, don’t change your mind. Because very soon, there will be a political tsunami. It is Asiwaju all the way,” the minister stated.

Teenager becomes Nigeria’s ‘vice president for a day’

A teenager, Joy Ogah, symbolically took over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the platform to advocate passionately for the rights and education of girls across Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday, the symbolic handover took place during a meeting on Monday between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.

From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah highlighted the challenges facing girls in the country, noting that over 10.5 million children remain out of school, more than 60 per cent of whom are girls.

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise interventions that protect and empower young girls.

Ogah also urged the government to provide free sanitary products in schools and ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition for all children. She stressed that every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence.

“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets,” she said.

Shettima also used the occasion to reaffirm President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and inclusive learning nationwide.

“We will continue the engagement with PLAN International and see where the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your solid advice on girl-child education.

“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” Shettima said.

Recent reports from PUNCH Online indicate growing national momentum toward gender inclusivity in education. On October 20, 2025, advocacy groups urged all tiers of government to invest more in girl-child education, mentorship, and sensitisation programmes, calling for stronger efforts to eliminate gender bias in schools.

In September, the Federal Government launched the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774) targeting over 10 million women across all 774 local government areas through livelihood grants, digital inclusion, and clean energy initiatives.

Similarly, the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly have reinforced support for gender parity and access to learning.

The government’s recent workshop on inclusive education, coupled with the Student Loans Act and increased education funding, reflects ongoing institutional commitment to equity — a goal echoed in Joy Ogah’s symbolic “Vice President for a Day” advocacy.

Reps to mediate in PENGASSAN, Dangote refinery dispute

The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to intervene in the recent face-off between members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Dangote Refinery, which had disrupted petroleum product distribution nationwide.

The resolution of the House followed the consideration and adoption of a motion of urgent public importance co-sponsored by Kano and Sokoto lawmakers, Alhassan Doguwa and Abdussamad Dasuki, respectively, at Tuesday’s plenary.

Titled: “Need to protect private investment from adversarial unionism,” the lawmakers drew the attention of their colleagues to the significance of the Dangote Refinery, describing it as the largest private petroleum refinery in Africa.

The face-off between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery led to an industrial action which commenced on September 29, 2025, disrupting the operations at the $20bn refinery.

It also led to a disruption in Nigeria’s crude oil production, with a reported daily loss of approximately 200,000 barrels over three days.

The disruption worsened the petroleum supply situation across the country, resulting in scarcity and long queues at filling stations in several states, resulting in severe hardship for millions of Nigerians.

Speaking on the motion, Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, Kano State, stressed the need to protect the Dangote Refinery given its strategic significance to the nation’s economy.

He said, “The House is aware that the Dangote Refinery is a strategic private investment of immense national importance, with the potential to guarantee energy security, reduce import dependency, generate employment, and conserve foreign exchange.

“We are aware that the Dangote Refinery operates within a Free Trade Zone, and therefore falls under the regulatory framework of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, particularly Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act which clearly states that ‘Employment in the free zone shall be governed by rules and regulations made by the Authority and not subject to the provisions of any enactments relating to employment matters.’

“The House is concerned that actions by labour unions that disregard the legal protections conferred on Free Zones under the NEPZA Act not only constitute a breach of law but also create a hostile investment environment that may deter future local and foreign investors;

“We are worried that if private investments of strategic national importance are continually subjected to unlawful disruptions by adversarial unionism, Nigeria risks not only the failure of key economic assets but also the erosion of investor confidence necessary for national growth and development.”

In his contribution, the member representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, Ahmad Jaha, urged the House to tread carefully, adding that the call for a probe as prayed by the motion was ill-timed.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged its leadership to broker peace between the two parties in the interest of the nation.

It also urged the Federal Ministries of Labour and Employment, Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as Justice, to “Jointly develop and implement a national framework or set of policies to safeguard private investments of strategic national importance from adversarial and unlawful union actions.”

It further charged the Federal Ministry of Justice and NEPZA to ensure full enforcement and compliance with the provisions of Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act in all relevant Free Zone operations.

Sowore mobilises supporters for #FreeNnamdiKanu protest

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has urged Nigerians to join a nationwide protest demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, despite a court order restricting demonstrations around key government areas in Abuja.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning, Sowore called on citizens to take to the streets in peaceful protest.

“Good morning, wherever you may be this morning, do not stop moving. Carry a sign, sing a song, make a statement!” he wrote.

He had earlier shared a message on Sunday night welcoming participants to the protest tagged#FreeNnamdiKanuNow.

“We warmly welcome everyone who has travelled from far and wide to join the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest tomorrow. Your courage, sacrifice, and solidarity speak volumes. Together, we are writing history,” he wrote.

Sowore announced that protesters would converge in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, at 7 am, urging them to “come ready, come peaceful, come determined.”

He also shared a Facebook post that read, “We want to put one million people on the streets of Abuja tomorrow for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow — let’s make it happen.”

However, the planned march comes in defiance of an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which restrained Sowore and other organisers from protesting in or around sensitive government areas, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

Reacting to the reported order on Saturday, Sowore questioned its legitimacy and the perceived double standards of law enforcement.

“Suppose a court order truly exists restricting protests around Aso Rock Villa; it begs the question: why hasn’t the same police force obtained a similar order against those protesting freely for three consecutive days opposing Nnamdi Kanu’s release?” Sowore asked.

“The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable,” he added.

The activist disclosed that his legal team, comprising 115 lawyers, would challenge the alleged court order once it is formally served on Monday.

He maintained that the planned October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest would proceed as a peaceful and lawful march, declaring, “October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully.”

The demonstration also coincides with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests of October 2020, which culminated in the alleged Lekki Toll Gate massacre — a period now remembered for its call for police reform and justice for victims of brutality.

Osinbajo leads ECOWAS team to monitor Côte d’Ivoire poll

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has been appointed by the Economic Community of West African States to head its Election Observation Mission for the forthcoming presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire.

According to a statement from ECOWAS, the election is scheduled to be held on October 25, 2025, while the observation mission will be deployed from October 19 to 29, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“As Head of Mission, Osinbajo will lead a delegation of eminent West Africans who will engage with key national stakeholders to encourage a peaceful and credible electoral process,” the statement said. “The team will also collaborate with international and domestic observer groups to assess the conduct of the polls.”

The regional body said the deployment of the mission underscores ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting peace, stability, and credible elections across West Africa.

The Côte d’Ivoire election comes at a critical time for the region, where several member states are preparing for key national polls amid efforts to consolidate democratic governance.

FG integrates leasing into public procurement framework

The Equipment Leasing Registration Authority and the Bureau of Public Procurement have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate leasing into Nigeria’s public procurement framework.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Head of Media and Corporate Communication of ELRA, Adebola Brookslyn, in Abuja on Sunday.

Brookslyn said the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of ELRA, Donald Wokoma, after the signing ceremony, noted that the agreement was a move aimed at promoting transparency, efficiency, and fiscal prudence across government operations.

According to Wokoma, through the MoU, ELRA and BPP will jointly develop clear policy guidelines and standard documents for lease-based procurement.

He added that it would also build the capacity of procurement officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies and integrate ELRA’s registration system into the procurement workflow for improved accountability.

This, he also said, would pilot leasing projects in key sectors such as health, education, transport, agriculture, and ICT.

Wokoma expressed appreciation to the Director-General of BPP and his team for their foresight and cooperation, reaffirming ELRA’s commitment to ensuring that every lease transaction under the partnership delivers measurable value to national development.

He further explained that the collaboration would reduce fiscal pressure on government budgets, enhance service delivery, and improve asset management, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s drive toward economic diversification and sustainable growth.

In his remarks, the Director-General of BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, commended ELRA for initiating the collaboration and reaffirmed BPP’s commitment to developing a procurement system that reflects global best practices.

“This MoU is timely and strategic. Leasing provides a viable alternative financing mechanism that supports service delivery while safeguarding public resources.

“By working together with ELRA, we are ensuring that leasing transactions in the public sector are not only transparent but also deliver real value for money,” Adedokun said.

He further noted that the partnership would strengthen institutional capacity within MDAs and enhance accountability in public expenditure management, particularly in the area of compliance. Those who will go into the leasing sector must show clearly that they are registered with ELRA.

“BPP will ensure compliance without which a Certificate of No Objection will not be issued by the Bureau,” he added.

Under the Equipment Leasing Act, 2015, ELRA is empowered to regulate and register all leasing transactions in Nigeria, ensuring credibility, accountability, and investor confidence.

Similarly, the Public Procurement Act mandates BPP to guarantee value-for-money and competitiveness in government transactions.

The partnership harmonises these mandates, creating a unified process for all lease-related procurements to be duly registered, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward efficient and sustainable public procurement.