Nanah Usman
The Federal Government has commenced monthly N50,000 cash relief payments to vulnerable Nigerians, while the Super Falcons and three Nigerian footballers have earned nominations for the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Awards.
Other major developments on Tuesday include US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Washington plans to end its $3.8bn annual military assistance arrangement with Israel, the discovery of an illegal refinery allegedly operated by Chinese nationals in Ogun State and the Senate’s passage of bills clarifying the locations of two federal institutions in Abia State.
Here are five major stories dominating the evening news.
- FG begins N50,000 monthly payments to vulnerable Nigerians
The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of N50,000 monthly cash assistance to eligible vulnerable Nigerians under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, said the programme was introduced to cushion the effects of rising food prices and the increasing cost of essential goods.
Beneficiaries are expected to receive text messages from licensed financial service providers requesting their consent before payments are made directly into their bank accounts or mobile wallets.
Approved providers include ALAT by Wema, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
The government said beneficiaries do not need to apply, pay registration fees or engage agents to receive the assistance. Doro warned Nigerians against fraudsters requesting personal identification numbers or Bank Verification Numbers.
Those seeking clarification can contact the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.- Super Falcons, three Nigerians earn 2026 CAF award nominations
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been nominated for the National Team of the Year category at the 2026 CAF Women’s Awards.
Three Nigerian footballers also secured individual nominations.
Edo Queens goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma made the Goalkeeper of the Year shortlist, while Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi were nominated for Young Player of the Year.
Akekoromowei plays for Benfica and the Falconets, while Adegbuyi represents Robo Queens and the Flamingos.
However, no Nigerian player featured in the Player of the Year category.
CAF is expected to announce the winners at its awards ceremony scheduled for December 7, 2026, in Lagos State. - Trump announces plan to end $3.8bn annual military aid to Israel
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to end the security assistance arrangement through which Washington provides Israel with approximately $3.8bn annually for military purchases.
The arrangement, which began in 2019, was established under a 10-year agreement signed during Barack Obama’s presidency.
Trump said he had discussed the decision with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming that Israel was comfortable with ending the arrangement.
He also said the United States would continue assisting Israel if necessary.
The announcement comes amid renewed discussions about Israel’s long-term military independence and its reliance on American financial and security support. - EFCC uncovers suspected illegal refinery operated by Chinese nationals in Ogun
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has uncovered an illegal oil refinery allegedly operated by Chinese nationals in the Ogere area of Ogun State.
The discovery followed intelligence gathering and surveillance by operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2.
According to the EFCC, operatives discovered the deserted facility on October 31, 2026.
Items recovered included waste products believed to have resulted from crude oil refining and underground tanks containing substances suspected to be diesel.
The discovery forms part of the commission’s wider efforts to tackle illegal activities within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. - Senate passes bills clarifying locations of two Abia federal institutions
The Senate has passed two amendment bills seeking to clarify the host communities of two federal educational institutions in Abia State.
Under the proposed amendments, the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences will be domiciled in Bende town, while the Federal College of Education will be located in Item Bende.
The bills seek to provide greater clarity regarding the locations of the institutions and their statutory descriptions.
The passage of the amendments represents a legislative step towards resolving the institutional location provisions contained in the relevant establishment laws.
The developments highlight major issues affecting Nigerians and the international community, ranging from economic relief and sports recognition to energy-sector enforcement, education policy and international security relations.
