News
Joe Biden halts Trump oil drilling leases in Alaska wildlife refuge
US President Joe Biden’s administration announced Tuesday it was halting petroleum development activity in the Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, reversing a move by former president Donald Trump to allow drilling.
The Interior Department said it was notifying firms of the freeze, pending a comprehensive environmental review that will determine whether leases in the area known as ANWR should be “reaffirmed, voided or subject to additional mitigation measures,” the agency said in a statement.
The announcement deals a blow to the long-contested quest of oil companies to drill in the sensitive territory. The push for development picked up momentum after Trump announced the leasing plan last November shortly after losing reelection to Biden.
At a lease sale in January over some 1.6 million acres, US officials auctioned off 11 oil tracts. Major oil companies sat out the bidding, and nine of the leases went to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, a state agency, while two went to small companies.
Biden had promised to protect ANWR during the presidential campaign.
White House climate advisor Gina McCarthy noted Biden’s promise and said the move reflected his belief that “national treasures are cultural and economic cornerstones of our country,” according to a White House statement.
Biden “is grateful for the prompt action by the Department of the Interior to suspend all leasing pending a review of decisions made in the last administration’s final days that could have changed the character of this special place forever,” McCarthy added.
Environmentalists have long argued that safeguarding ANWR is critical to protect polar bears and other vulnerable wildlife and for indigenous populations that hunt caribou in the region.
But the oil industry has long sought to drill in the area, which is thought to potentially hold billions of barrels in oil. Key Alaska lawmakers such as Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, have strongly backed development.
The Alaska Wilderness League, which had joined other environmental groups in litigation against the Trump administration’s development efforts, applauded the Biden administration’s action.
“Suspending these leases is a step in the right direction,” said Kristen Miller, acting executive director for the Alaska Wilderness League.
Continued threat
“There is still more to be done. Until the leases are canceled, they will remain a threat to one of the wildest places left in America,” Miller said. “Now we look to the administration and Congress to prioritize legislatively repealing the oil leasing mandate and restore protections to the Arctic Refuge coastal plain.”
But the American Petroleum Institute said the oil industry knows how to develop responsibly and that the decision will cost Alaska jobs and tax revenue.
“Policies aimed at slowing or stopping oil and natural gas production on federal lands and waters will ultimately prove harmful to our national security, environmental progress and economic strength,” API official Kevin O’Scannlain said.
“At a time of economic recovery, this action only serves to withhold the good-paying jobs and economic revenue that safe and responsible oil and gas development would provide to local Alaskan communities.”
The Biden administration’s move on ANWR comes only days after it sanctioned another Trump administration plan on oil development in Alaska, involving a ConocoPhillips project in Alaska’s North Slope in the former Naval Petroleum Reserve.
(AFP)
News
Tinubu Announces Fresh Appointments in Key Education Agencies
President Bola Tinubu has approved a new round of leadership appointments across several education agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education, affecting the National Examinations Council (NECO), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Federal Polytechnic N’yak-Shendam in Plateau State, and the National Library of Nigeria.
According to the announcement, Prof Modupe Adeola Adelabu has been appointed as the Chairman of the Governing Board of NECO. Meanwhile, Prof Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi will continue in his role as Registrar of the examination body.
At the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof Babatunde Salako has been named the new Chairman. The current Executive Secretary, Prof Idris M. Bugaje, has also been confirmed for another term in office.
Also Read: BREAKING: Tinubu Reshuffles Cabinet, Drops Wale Edun, Names Oyedele Finance Minister
In Plateau State, Engr Dr Bongfa Binfa has been appointed as the new Rector of the Federal Polytechnic N’yak-Shendam. He succeeds the pioneer rector, Dr Mukaila Zakari Ya’u, whose tenure has come to an end. Dr Binfa’s appointment is for a single term of five years.
Similarly, Prof Chinwe Veronica Anunobi has been reappointed as the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria for another five-year term. She first assumed office in 2021 and will continue to oversee the institution’s operations.
The newly appointed officials bring diverse academic and professional experience to their roles. Prof Adelabu is a retired professor of educational administration and a former deputy governor of Ekiti State. Prof Salako has extensive experience in research and higher education management, including his work at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research.
Dr Binfa, an engineer with a doctorate degree from Malaysia, has held several senior academic positions in federal polytechnics. Prof Anunobi, on her part, has been involved in key reforms at the National Library, particularly in advancing digital initiatives and improving access to national records.
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News
GUO Motors Attack: Driver Killed, 16 Passengers Allegedly Kidnapped on Lagos-Benin Expressway
A driver with GUO Motors has been shot dead and at least 16 passengers reportedly abducted following an attack by suspected bandits along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.
The incident, which has heightened fresh concerns over security on Nigerian highways, occurred when armed assailants intercepted a commercial bus traveling along the busy route. According to eyewitness accounts, the driver was shot while attempting to evade the attackers, leading to the vehicle being overpowered.
Sources familiar with the incident said the gunmen subsequently abducted multiple passengers and fled into nearby bush paths, leaving behind the lifeless body of the driver.
However, in a statement released by GUO Transport, the company disputed parts of the circulating reports, insisting that the bus involved in the attack had been dispatched empty. The company stated that the vehicle was attacked by armed robbers, adding that investigations are ongoing to clarify the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Despite the company’s claim, local sources and preliminary reports suggest that passengers were indeed on board at the time of the attack, raising questions about the conflicting narratives.
Security agencies are yet to release an official statement as of the time of filing this report, but efforts are reportedly underway to track the perpetrators and secure the release of the abducted victims.
The Lagos-Benin Expressway, a critical link between Nigeria’s commercial capital and the South-South region, has in recent years witnessed recurring cases of armed robbery and kidnappings, prompting calls for increased security patrols and surveillance.
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News
BREAKING: Tinubu Reshuffles Cabinet, Drops Wale Edun, Names Oyedele Finance Minister
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council, removing the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, from the cabinet.
The development was disclosed in an official memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Oyedele Takes Over Finance Ministry
According to the memo, Taiwo Oyedele has been appointed as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, replacing Edun.
Oyedele, who previously served as Minister of State in the ministry, has been directed to assume duties immediately, with all handover processes to be completed by April 23, 2026.
Changes in Housing Ministry
In the Housing and Urban Development Ministry, Dangiwa has been asked to step down, while Muttaqha Rabe Darmaha has been named as minister-designate.
The outgoing minister has been instructed to hand over to the Minister of State pending the confirmation of the new nominee.
Reason for Reshuffle
Explaining the decision, Akume said the move is aimed at strengthening governance and improving policy delivery.
“These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated.
He added that the President exercised his constitutional powers under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Presidency Thanks Outgoing Ministers
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the affected ministers for their service, wishing them well in their future endeavours.
The government also signaled that further adjustments could follow as part of ongoing efforts to reposition the administration.
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Jobs
Job Vacancy: Plan International Nigeria Opens Business Development Assistant Role in Abuja
The Plan International has announced a vacancy for the position of Business Development Assistant in Abuja, Nigeria, as part of efforts to strengthen its fundraising and donor engagement operations.
The role, announced on April 17, 2026, is open until April 27, 2026, and is based in the organisation’s Nigeria country office.
Role Overview
Plan International said the position will support its Business Development Unit in identifying funding opportunities, coordinating proposal development, and managing donor-related information.
The role is designed to strengthen institutional fundraising efforts and ensure efficient coordination across programme, finance, and grants teams in line with the organisation’s country strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Support identification and tracking of funding opportunities
- Maintain and update donor pipeline and databases
- Assist in proposal development and formatting of documents
- Conduct research on donors and funding trends
- Track deadlines and coordinate inputs from internal teams
- Prepare donor-facing materials such as concept notes and presentations
- Support knowledge management and record keeping
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding and protection standards
- Coordinate across programme, finance, and MERL teams
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, development studies, economics, business administration, or related fields. A postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.
Candidates should have 1–2 years of relevant experience, including internships or entry-level roles in NGOs or development organisations.
Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office tools are required. Applicants must also demonstrate good communication skills and an understanding of donor funding landscapes.
About Plan International
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation working to promote children’s rights and gender equality in more than 80 countries. The organisation focuses on addressing poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination, with a strong emphasis on supporting girls and vulnerable children.
Application Details
- Job Title: Business Development Assistant
- Location: Abuja, Nigeria
- Closing Date: April 27, 2026
- Organisation: Plan International Nigeria
Candidates are required to submit a CV and cover letter in English. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Plan International emphasised its commitment to safeguarding, diversity, and inclusion, noting that all applicants will undergo strict background checks in line with its child protection policies.
APPLY HERE
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Jobs
Job Vacancy: SEforALL/UNOPS Opens Project Officer (Retainer) Role in Nigeria Energy Transition Drive
The Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), hosted by UNOPS, has announced a vacancy for the position of Project Officer (Nigeria – Retainer) to support Nigeria’s energy transition and investment planning agenda.
The role, based in Nigeria with a home-based arrangement, was published on April 15, 2026, and will close on April 29, 2026.
Role Overview
SEforALL said the position will support the implementation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition and Investment Plan (ETIP), focusing on accelerating clean energy investments, strengthening coordination among stakeholders, and supporting the country’s shift toward net-zero targets.
The Project Officer will serve as a key liaison between the Government of Nigeria, development partners, and private sector actors, helping to align investment strategies with national energy priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate implementation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition and Investment Plan (ETIP)
- Support stakeholder engagement between government, investors, and development partners
- Develop and structure energy investment pipelines and project inventories
- Promote blended finance and local currency investment solutions
- Support renewable energy value chain development and industrialisation efforts
- Facilitate investor dialogues and policy discussions on energy reforms
- Work with agencies such as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA)
- Support demand stimulation across Nigeria’s energy sector
- Contribute to de-risking frameworks for energy investment projects
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in Renewable Energy, Climate Policy, Economics, Energy, Public Policy, or related fields. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
Candidates should have a minimum of two years’ experience in energy, climate, investment, or related sectors, with strong stakeholder engagement and project coordination skills.
Experience in energy analysis tools such as GIS mapping, LCOE analysis, or results-based management is an advantage.
Knowledge of Nigeria’s energy sector and experience working with government agencies or multilateral organisations such as the UN, World Bank, or AfDB will be highly valued.
Contract Details
- Position: Project Officer (Nigeria – Retainer)
- Location: Home-based (Nigeria)
- Contract Type: ICA – Retainer (up to 120 working days in 12 months)
- Seniority Level: Associate (ICS 08)
- Closing Date: April 29, 2026
About SEforALL
Sustainable Energy for All works globally to accelerate access to sustainable energy, promote energy efficiency, and support climate action in developing countries. The initiative focuses on ending energy poverty and scaling renewable energy investments worldwide.
APPLY HERE
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