Nigeria is battling its worst floods in a decade, where more than 300 people are killed till now, houses are washed away and farmlands have been destroyed. The authorities say that the situation is beyond control. Farmers are worried as their fields are submerged under water.

WION Climate Tracker: Nigeria battles worst floods in decades; farmers incur heavy losses

Nigeria has become the first country ever to announce a complete ban on foreign models and voice over artists in tv advertisements. The decision will be effective from October, and according to the govt of Nigeria, this is an attempt to develop local talent.

World of Africa: Nigeria bans foreign models & voiceover artists

Floods in Nigeria have killed at least 300 people this year and the situation could worsen due to heavy rainfall and the effects of excess water from a dam in Cameroon that will affect 14 Nigerian states, the disaster management agency said.

Drone captures the extent of Nigeria's deadly floods

Hundreds of students blocked the main airport road in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos on Monday to protest against the disruption to classes caused by a lecturers' strike that has been going on for more than seven months.

Strikes over pay by public university lecturers are common in Nigeria and often go on for months. The latest action started in February.

Chanting and holding placards, students gathered on Lagos International Airport Road, causing gridlock in a city that already struggles with daily traffic congestion and leaving motorists and air passengers stranded.

The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) had at the weekend threatened to occupy major airports to send a message that the students were tired of the pay stand-off between lecturers and President Muhammadu Buhari's government.

"We are here to ground the economy at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport so that the government, the first class people, can be aware that our students are off campus now (for) seven months," Awoyinfa Opeoluwa, NANS spokesperson for the southwest region told Reuters.

Passengers were forced to walk with their luggage in the rain for at least five kilometres to and from the airport. Dozens of armed police watched from a distance.

Demonstrations often turn deadly in Nigeria. The last major protest was against police brutality two years ago, which ended with some protesters being shot and killed. 
 
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Hundreds of students blocked the main airport road in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos on Monday to protest against the disruption to classes caused by a lecturers' strike that has been going on for more than seven months.

Hundreds of students blocked the main airport road in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos on Monday to protest against the disruption to classes caused by a lecturers' strike that has been going on for more than seven months. Strikes over pay by public university lecturers are common in Nigeria and often go on for months. The latest action started in February. Chanting and holding placards, students gathered on Lagos International Airport Road, causing gridlock in a city that already struggles with daily traffic congestion and leaving motorists and air passengers stranded. The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) had at the weekend threatened to occupy major airports to send a message that the students were tired of the pay stand-off between lecturers and President Muhammadu Buhari's government. "We are here to ground the economy at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport so that the government, the first class people, can be aware that our students are off campus now (for) seven months," Awoyinfa Opeoluwa, NANS spokesperson for the southwest region told Reuters. Passengers were forced to walk with their luggage in the rain for at least five kilometres to and from the airport. Dozens of armed police watched from a distance. Demonstrations often turn deadly in Nigeria. The last major protest was against police brutality two years ago, which ended with some protesters being shot and killed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Now, students are protesting against a lecturers' strike in Nigeria's Lagos

A record 1.8 tonnes of cocaine was seized from a warehouse in Lagos by Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. According to the agency’s spokesperson, the street value of these drugs is an estimated $278.5 million. Additionally, they have also arrested 5 people in connection with the raid. These drugs were reportedly headed to customers in Europe and Asia.&nbsp;

The drugs were found, on Sunday, in a residential estate's warehouse, said the authorities. According to reports, West Africa is a major transit hub for cocaine made in Latin American countries and sold in Europe.&nbsp;

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/honduras-police-unearth-15-tonnes-of-buried-cocaine-383450">Honduras police unearth 1.5 tonnes of buried cocaine</a>

This agency, on Monday, indicated that the drug raid came after years of investigation and the people arrested are the members of an international drug syndicate that they have been tracking since 2018 in coordination with the US Drug Enforcement Administration. They have also described it as one of the largest drug busts in the country ever.&nbsp;Reportedly, among those arrested were four Nigerians and one Jamaican citizen.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, in April, over 2 tonnes of cocaine were seized on Ivory Coast and 9.5 tonnes of cocaine was recovered in Cape Verde, in 2019. Meanwhile, the year 2020 saw a record amount of global cocaine seizures which was 1,424 tonnes, said the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime.&nbsp; 
 
(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A record 1.8 tonnes of cocaine was seized from a warehouse in Lagos by Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. According to the agency’s spokesperson, the street value of these drugs is an estimated $278.

A record 1.8 tonnes of cocaine was seized from a warehouse in Lagos by Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. According to the agency’s spokesperson, the street value of these drugs is an estimated $278.5 million. Additionally, they have also arrested 5 people in connection with the raid. These drugs were reportedly headed to customers in Europe and Asia. The drugs were found, on Sunday, in a residential estate's warehouse, said the authorities. According to reports, West Africa is a major transit hub for cocaine made in Latin American countries and sold in Europe. ALSO READ: Honduras police unearth 1.5 tonnes of buried cocaine This agency, on Monday, indicated that the drug raid came after years of investigation and the people arrested are the members of an international drug syndicate that they have been tracking since 2018 in coordination with the US Drug Enforcement Administration. They have also described it as one of the largest drug busts in the country ever. Reportedly, among those arrested were four Nigerians and one Jamaican citizen. Earlier this year, in April, over 2 tonnes of cocaine were seized on Ivory Coast and 9.5 tonnes of cocaine was recovered in Cape Verde, in 2019. Meanwhile, the year 2020 saw a record amount of global cocaine seizures which was 1,424 tonnes, said the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime. (with inputs from agencies)

Nigeria: Record 1.8 tonnes of cocaine destined for Europe and Asia, seized

In Nigeria, mounds of waste scattered along roads and vast landfills are a common site moreover collecting sorting and recycling trash is not a priority but now some entrepreneurs are working hard to tackle the rubbish mountain in the country.

WION Climate Tracker | Few people collect, sort & recycle trash in Nigeria

Africa has constantly been at the receiving end of the wrath caused by climate change and Nigeria too had its share. But seems like not anymore as few young women from Nigeria have decided to step up and take action against the disasters caused by the climate. To create awareness among the people and tackle the issue of much concern these teenagers have developed an app. To know about it more, take a look at our this report.

World of Africa | Nigeria's climate warriors

Nigeria’s advertising regulator has announced a ban on using foreign models and voice-over artists in television commercials made in the country. Molly Gambhir tells you all about this move.

WION Fineprint | Nigeria becomes the first country to ban foreign models in TV ads

Nigeria's Osun river, considered sacred by many is now facing the threat of pollution. The river's water is believed to have healed many and helped women with fertility and is now being contaminated mainly because of the illegal mining taking place.

WION Climate Tracker | Nigeria: Sacred river Osun battles pollution

Sacred, revered and increasingly toxic, concerns rise over pollution and contamination of Nigeria's Osun river

World of Africa: Nigeria's 'sacred' Osun river turns toxic

The repeated theft of crude oil and pipeline vandalism has led to serious revenue deficit for the state. Every year Nigeria loses millions of barrels of crude oil due to theft and vandalism.

Nigeria loses millions of barrels of crude oil, ex-militant Tompolo gets contract

Nigeria has become the first country ever to announce a complete ban on foreign models when it comes to its television advertisements. The decision was taken by the Nigerian government in an attempt to “develop local talent” and will officially be implemented from October this year.

According to The Times, the ban means that all non-Nigerian models and voiceover artists will be out of work in the country soon and this will be a huge cultural shift. In the past, it was common for foreign faces and British-accented voices to feature heavily on Nigerian television.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-all-set-to-create-history-with-artemis-moon-mission-precursor-to-first-crewed-orion-mission-510510" hreflang="en">NASA all set to 'create history' with Artemis moon mission, precursor to first crewed Orion mission</a>

“Ten to 20 years ago, if you checked the commercials, I would say they were almost 50/50 in terms of foreign faces and all the voiceovers were British accents,” Steve Babaeko, president of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, told The Times after the announcement.

Although the ban was just announced, restrictions existed in Nigeria as companies earlier had to pay a fee of 100,000-Naira (about $240) for employing any foreign model in their advertisements.

One of the first companies to embrace this shift was the ad agency AMV BBDO who used local models and director to shoot the “Black Shines Brightest” campaign for beer brand Guinness.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/la-residents-protest-against-fast-and-furious-street-race-filming-in-neighbourhood-510524" hreflang="en">LA residents protest against 'Fast and Furious' street race filming in neighbourhood</a>

“I think the law is just catching up with national sentiment. As long as maybe eight years ago, you would notice some kind of renaissance in Nigeria.”

“People will tell you, ‘There are about 200 million of us. Are you telling me you could not find indigenous models for this commercial?,’” Babaeko explained.

The Nigerian advertising industry was valued at roughly $450 million in 2021 and although it is not as big as a number of other African nations, it is believed that this move can boost its popularity.

Nigeria has become the first country ever to announce a complete ban on foreign models when it comes to its television advertisements. The decision was taken by the Nigerian government in an attempt to “develop local talent” and will officially be implemented from October this year.

Nigeria has become the first country ever to announce a complete ban on foreign models when it comes to its television advertisements. The decision was taken by the Nigerian government in an attempt to “develop local talent” and will officially be implemented from October this year. According to The Times, the ban means that all non-Nigerian models and voiceover artists will be out of work in the country soon and this will be a huge cultural shift. In the past, it was common for foreign faces and British-accented voices to feature heavily on Nigerian television. Also read | NASA all set to 'create history' with Artemis moon mission, precursor to first crewed Orion mission “Ten to 20 years ago, if you checked the commercials, I would say they were almost 50/50 in terms of foreign faces and all the voiceovers were British accents,” Steve Babaeko, president of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, told The Times after the announcement. Although the ban was just announced, restrictions existed in Nigeria as companies earlier had to pay a fee of 100,000-Naira (about $240) for employing any foreign model in their advertisements. One of the first companies to embrace this shift was the ad agency AMV BBDO who used local models and director to shoot the “Black Shines Brightest” campaign for beer brand Guinness. Also read | LA residents protest against 'Fast and Furious' street race filming in neighbourhood “I think the law is just catching up with national sentiment. As long as maybe eight years ago, you would notice some kind of renaissance in Nigeria.” “People will tell you, ‘There are about 200 million of us. Are you telling me you could not find indigenous models for this commercial?,’” Babaeko explained. The Nigerian advertising industry was valued at roughly $450 million in 2021 and although it is not as big as a number of other African nations, it is believed that this move can boost its popularity.

Nigeria becomes first country ever to ban foreign models in TV commercials

Four abducted Catholic nuns in Nigeria regain ‘unconditional’ freedom &nbsp;After about 48 hours in captivity, four nuns reportedly abducted on Sunday from the congregation of Sisters of Jesus the Savior have been set free by their abductors on Tuesday.

In a circular released to the public on Tuesday and signed by the secretary general of the congregation, sister Zita Ihedoro, it read, "With hearts full of joy, the Sisters of Jesus the Saviour wish to announce the unconditional and safe release of four of our sisters who were abducted around the Okigwe-Umulolo axis on the 21st of August 2022."

"Today is a memorable day for us…, We sincerely appreciate and thank you for your prayers and moral support during this difficult moment, May Jesus the Saviour, whom we have come to serve, bless, protect, and provide for you, especially in times of difficulty.&nbsp;

Confirming the news of the release via a telephone interview to WION Correspondent in Nigeria, Louisa Olaniyi, Sister Frednorah Ikpeama of the congregation, attributed their successful release to an earnest chain of prayers by the Catholic faithful, as the sisters involved were dropped back at the point they were picked up and that, to her, is an act of God, as no news of ransom has been established.&nbsp; 
 
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" That’s exactly what I said. I don’t have answers because they spoke with the mother general and council. They were the ones talking with them, so right now the only news we have is that they have been released and they are giving them time to recuperate, and we will take it from there. "

As to whether the Catholic Church is the main target of these criminal elements, Sister Freda thinks otherwise, saying it was just a random case of criminal elements having a field day and urged the government to improve the security of the country, especially on our highways.

The four sisters involved, Johannes Nwodo, Christabel Echemazu, Liberata Mbamalu, and Benita Agu, were kidnapped on their way to the thanksgiving Mass of one of their colleagues along the Okigwe-Umulolo axis in Imo State, south-east Nigeria, where activities of the separatist group (IPOB) have characterised the region.

Four abducted Catholic nuns in Nigeria regain ‘unconditional’ freedom After about 48 hours in captivity, four nuns reportedly abducted on Sunday from the congregation of Sisters of Jesus the Savior have been set free by their abductors on Tuesday.

Four abducted Catholic nuns in Nigeria regain ‘unconditional’ freedom After about 48 hours in captivity, four nuns reportedly abducted on Sunday from the congregation of Sisters of Jesus the Savior have been set free by their abductors on Tuesday. In a circular released to the public on Tuesday and signed by the secretary general of the congregation, sister Zita Ihedoro, it read, "With hearts full of joy, the Sisters of Jesus the Saviour wish to announce the unconditional and safe release of four of our sisters who were abducted around the Okigwe-Umulolo axis on the 21st of August 2022." "Today is a memorable day for us…, We sincerely appreciate and thank you for your prayers and moral support during this difficult moment, May Jesus the Saviour, whom we have come to serve, bless, protect, and provide for you, especially in times of difficulty. Confirming the news of the release via a telephone interview to WION Correspondent in Nigeria, Louisa Olaniyi, Sister Frednorah Ikpeama of the congregation, attributed their successful release to an earnest chain of prayers by the Catholic faithful, as the sisters involved were dropped back at the point they were picked up and that, to her, is an act of God, as no news of ransom has been established. " That’s exactly what I said. I don’t have answers because they spoke with the mother general and council. They were the ones talking with them, so right now the only news we have is that they have been released and they are giving them time to recuperate, and we will take it from there. " As to whether the Catholic Church is the main target of these criminal elements, Sister Freda thinks otherwise, saying it was just a random case of criminal elements having a field day and urged the government to improve the security of the country, especially on our highways. The four sisters involved, Johannes Nwodo, Christabel Echemazu, Liberata Mbamalu, and Benita Agu, were kidnapped on their way to the thanksgiving Mass of one of their colleagues along the Okigwe-Umulolo axis in Imo State, south-east Nigeria, where activities of the separatist group (IPOB) have characterised the region.

Four abducted catholic nuns in Nigeria regain ‘unconditional’ freedom 

At a signing ceremony on Tuesday, officials announced that the United States would return to Nigeria the $23 million that former military dictator Sani Abacha had seized.&nbsp;

In recent years, Nigeria has come to various agreements on the return of stolen money. From 1993 until his death in 1998, Abacha oversaw the most populous and significant oil exporting country in Africa. Transparency International claimed that he syphoned off up to $5 billion in taxpayer funds during that time. He was never put on trial.

The money was in UK accounts, according to US&nbsp;Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard, but was discovered and blocked by American officials. She continued by saying that, with the most recent agreement included, the US had consented to return more than $334.7 million associated with Abacha.&nbsp;

The money will be utilised for infrastructure projects, such as the Abuja-Kano road, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and the second Niger bridge, under the supervision of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), according to Attorney General Abubakar Malami.

According to Malami, "The president's mandate to my office is to ensure that all international recoveries are transparently invested and monitored by civil society organizations to compete for these three projects within the agreed timeline."&nbsp;

Nigeria must spend monies returned from funds taken by Abacha on approved public projects, the U.S. Justice Department has previously stated, or be obliged to "replace" it.

(with inputs from agencies)

At a signing ceremony on Tuesday, officials announced that the United States would return to Nigeria the $23 million that former military dictator Sani Abacha had seized.

At a signing ceremony on Tuesday, officials announced that the United States would return to Nigeria the $23 million that former military dictator Sani Abacha had seized. In recent years, Nigeria has come to various agreements on the return of stolen money. From 1993 until his death in 1998, Abacha oversaw the most populous and significant oil exporting country in Africa. Transparency International claimed that he syphoned off up to $5 billion in taxpayer funds during that time. He was never put on trial. The money was in UK accounts, according to US Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard, but was discovered and blocked by American officials. She continued by saying that, with the most recent agreement included, the US had consented to return more than $334.7 million associated with Abacha. The money will be utilised for infrastructure projects, such as the Abuja-Kano road, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and the second Niger bridge, under the supervision of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), according to Attorney General Abubakar Malami. According to Malami, "The president's mandate to my office is to ensure that all international recoveries are transparently invested and monitored by civil society organizations to compete for these three projects within the agreed timeline." Nigeria must spend monies returned from funds taken by Abacha on approved public projects, the U.S. Justice Department has previously stated, or be obliged to "replace" it. (with inputs from agencies)

US will turn over $23 million looted by former military ruler Abacha to Nigeria

Police in Nigeria said on Monday (August 22) that gunmen had abducted four Catholic nuns in the country's southeast. This is the latest act of violence in the region when separatist tensions are on the rise. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country frequently witnesses cases of abduction. However, members of Christian churches have been increasingly targetted in recent weeks.

Most hostages are released after a ransom payment, but some have been killed.

"Four reverend sisters of the Catholic church were abducted," Imo state police spokesman Michael Abattam told AFP.

He said the nuns were seized near Okigwe city on Sunday on their way to mass.

"We are on the trail of the kidnappers with a view to freeing the victims," he said.

The police did not immediately say what was the motive behind the abduction. No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.

Southeast Nigeria has seen a surge in violence blamed on the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group or its armed wing ESN.

IPOB seeks separate region for ethnic Igbo people. The group has repeatedly denied responsibility for the violence in the region.

More than 100 police officers and other security personnel have been killed since the beginning of last year in targeted attacks in the region, according to local media tallies.

Prisons have also been raided with scores of inmates freed and weapons stolen.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Police in Nigeria said on Monday (August 22) that gunmen had abducted four Catholic nuns in the country's southeast. This is the latest act of violence in the region when separatist tensions are on the rise.

Police in Nigeria said on Monday (August 22) that gunmen had abducted four Catholic nuns in the country's southeast. This is the latest act of violence in the region when separatist tensions are on the rise. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country frequently witnesses cases of abduction. However, members of Christian churches have been increasingly targetted in recent weeks. Most hostages are released after a ransom payment, but some have been killed. "Four reverend sisters of the Catholic church were abducted," Imo state police spokesman Michael Abattam told AFP. He said the nuns were seized near Okigwe city on Sunday on their way to mass. "We are on the trail of the kidnappers with a view to freeing the victims," he said. The police did not immediately say what was the motive behind the abduction. No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. Southeast Nigeria has seen a surge in violence blamed on the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group or its armed wing ESN. IPOB seeks separate region for ethnic Igbo people. The group has repeatedly denied responsibility for the violence in the region. More than 100 police officers and other security personnel have been killed since the beginning of last year in targeted attacks in the region, according to local media tallies. Prisons have also been raided with scores of inmates freed and weapons stolen. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Nigeria: Gunmen abduct Catholic nuns, motive unclear

The Horniman Museum in London has decided to return 72 treasured artefacts to Nigeria. These precious items, which also include 12 brass plaques known as Benin Bronzes, were looted from Benin City by British soldiers in 1897.

The Benin Bronzes are among Africa's most culturally significant artefacts. It was created from brass and bronze in the once mighty Kingdom of Benin in what is now southwestern Nigeria from at least the 16th century onwards.

There are at least&nbsp;10,000 treasured artefacts stolen during the Benin raid that are kept in 165 museums and many private collections across the world. The&nbsp;British Museum&nbsp;in London holds 900 objects, the largest collection in the world.

Jesus College at Cambridge University and the Quai Branly Museum in Paris were the first to return such precious artefacts to Nigeria last year, followed by Germany which returned more than 1,100 priceless sculptures last month.

The Horniman said it got requests from Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to return the stolen artefacts at the beginning of the year following which they made the decision.

"The evidence is very clear that these objects were acquired through force, and external consultation supported our view that it is both moral and appropriate to return their ownership to Nigeria," Eve Salomon, chair of the trustees of the Horniman Museum and Gardens, was quoted as saying by Reuters.

"The Horniman is pleased to be able to take this step and we look forward to working with the NCMM to secure longer term care for these precious artefacts,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Horniman Museum in London has decided to return 72 treasured artefacts to Nigeria. These precious items, which also include 12 brass plaques known as Benin Bronzes, were looted from Benin City by British soldiers in 1897.

The Horniman Museum in London has decided to return 72 treasured artefacts to Nigeria. These precious items, which also include 12 brass plaques known as Benin Bronzes, were looted from Benin City by British soldiers in 1897. The Benin Bronzes are among Africa's most culturally significant artefacts. It was created from brass and bronze in the once mighty Kingdom of Benin in what is now southwestern Nigeria from at least the 16th century onwards. There are at least 10,000 treasured artefacts stolen during the Benin raid that are kept in 165 museums and many private collections across the world. The British Museum in London holds 900 objects, the largest collection in the world. Jesus College at Cambridge University and the Quai Branly Museum in Paris were the first to return such precious artefacts to Nigeria last year, followed by Germany which returned more than 1,100 priceless sculptures last month. The Horniman said it got requests from Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to return the stolen artefacts at the beginning of the year following which they made the decision. "The evidence is very clear that these objects were acquired through force, and external consultation supported our view that it is both moral and appropriate to return their ownership to Nigeria," Eve Salomon, chair of the trustees of the Horniman Museum and Gardens, was quoted as saying by Reuters. "The Horniman is pleased to be able to take this step and we look forward to working with the NCMM to secure longer term care for these precious artefacts,” he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK museum to return 72 treasured artefacts to Nigeria

On Sunday, the Horniman Museum in London announced that it will return a number of artefacts, including 12 of the renowned Benin Bronzes that British soldiers had stolen in Nigeria. The museum said in a statement, "Ownership of 72 objects, which were forcibly removed from Benin City during the British military incursion in February 1897, will be transferred to the Nigerian government. The collection includes 12 brass plaques, known publicly as Benin bronzes. Other objects include a brass cockerel altarpiece, ivory and brass ceremonial objects, brass bells, everyday items such as fans and baskets, and a key ‘to the king’s palace’."&nbsp;

Many of Nigeria's so-called Benin Bronzes, which are metal sculptures and plaques from the 16th to 18th centuries, were stolen from the palace of the former Benin Kingdom and are now shown in museums all across the US and Europe. Nigeria, which has been negotiating their return, intends to house the bronzes, some of the most renowned pieces of African art, in a museum that will be built in Benin City, in the southern Edo state.

"The evidence is very clear that these objects were acquired through force, and external consultation supported our view that it is both moral and appropriate to return their ownership to Nigeria," the museum quoted Eve Salomon, Chair of the Trustees of the Horniman Museum and Gardens, as reported by AFP.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-army-detonates-world-war-ii-bomb-found-in-dried-up-river-po-504648">&nbsp;Italian army detonates World War II bomb found in dried-up river&nbsp;Po</a>

Abba Tijani, the chairman of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments, applauded the choice and expressed his excitement for "a productive discussion on loan agreements and collaborations." In addition to Britain, several European nations have requested the return of lost valuables, including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. According to experts, between 85% and 90% of African cultural objects have been removed from the continent.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

On Sunday, the Horniman Museum in London announced that it will return a number of artefacts, including 12 of the renowned Benin Bronzes that British soldiers had stolen in Nigeria.

On Sunday, the Horniman Museum in London announced that it will return a number of artefacts, including 12 of the renowned Benin Bronzes that British soldiers had stolen in Nigeria. The museum said in a statement, "Ownership of 72 objects, which were forcibly removed from Benin City during the British military incursion in February 1897, will be transferred to the Nigerian government. The collection includes 12 brass plaques, known publicly as Benin bronzes. Other objects include a brass cockerel altarpiece, ivory and brass ceremonial objects, brass bells, everyday items such as fans and baskets, and a key ‘to the king’s palace’." Many of Nigeria's so-called Benin Bronzes, which are metal sculptures and plaques from the 16th to 18th centuries, were stolen from the palace of the former Benin Kingdom and are now shown in museums all across the US and Europe. Nigeria, which has been negotiating their return, intends to house the bronzes, some of the most renowned pieces of African art, in a museum that will be built in Benin City, in the southern Edo state. "The evidence is very clear that these objects were acquired through force, and external consultation supported our view that it is both moral and appropriate to return their ownership to Nigeria," the museum quoted Eve Salomon, Chair of the Trustees of the Horniman Museum and Gardens, as reported by AFP. Also Read: Italian army detonates World War II bomb found in dried-up river Po Abba Tijani, the chairman of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments, applauded the choice and expressed his excitement for "a productive discussion on loan agreements and collaborations." In addition to Britain, several European nations have requested the return of lost valuables, including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. According to experts, between 85% and 90% of African cultural objects have been removed from the continent. (with inputs from agencies)

London museum to return 72 looted artefacts including Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

Nigeria's military is ready to use all forces required to uproot armed groups that are behind mounting insecurity in the country. Further, there are concerns that the country's situation can show its impact on the general elections in February, here's a report.

Nigeria's military to use 'maximum firepower' against armed groups

The call for Britain to return valuables that their colonial forces looted has been gaining strength in the recent times and Oxford University has now taken a step that will surely be welcomed by people all around the world. The University is looking to return around 100 artefacts to Nigeria after the nation sent them an official request. The most important artefacts in the collection are the bronze ones that were taken by British forces from Benin during their occupation. While the artefacts were kept in the Pitt Rivers Museum and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford till now, the University authorities are looking to return all of them to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

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“On 7 January 2022, the Pitt Rivers Museum received a claim from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Nigeria, for the return of 97 objects in the Pitt Rivers and Ashmolean Museum collections that were taken from Benin City by British armed forces in 1897,” the university said.

“The claim is now being processed by the university following its procedures for claims for the return of cultural objects. On 20 June 2022, the council of the University of Oxford considered and supported the claim for the return of the 97 objects to Nigeria,” the official statement read.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-india-is-a-neighbour-we-cannot-choose-our-neighbours-pakistan-fm-bilawal-bhutto-zardari-to-wion-501842">India is a neighbour, we can't choose our neighbours: Pakistan FM to WION</a>

The Oxford University has already forwarded their support to the Charity Commission that will be taking the final decision. According to The Guardian, the return should take place by autumn.

“As one of several UK museums that hold significant materials taken from Benin in 1897, the Pitt Rivers has been involved in long-term research and engagement projects in partnership with Nigerian stakeholders and representatives from the royal court of the Benin kingdom.”

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The call for Britain to return valuables that their colonial forces looted has been gaining strength in the recent times and Oxford University has now taken a step that will surely be welcomed by people all around the world.

The call for Britain to return valuables that their colonial forces looted has been gaining strength in the recent times and Oxford University has now taken a step that will surely be welcomed by people all around the world. The University is looking to return around 100 artefacts to Nigeria after the nation sent them an official request. The most important artefacts in the collection are the bronze ones that were taken by British forces from Benin during their occupation. While the artefacts were kept in the Pitt Rivers Museum and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford till now, the University authorities are looking to return all of them to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments. Also read | Spain reports second monkeypox-related death within 24 hours as cases rise “On 7 January 2022, the Pitt Rivers Museum received a claim from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Nigeria, for the return of 97 objects in the Pitt Rivers and Ashmolean Museum collections that were taken from Benin City by British armed forces in 1897,” the university said. “The claim is now being processed by the university following its procedures for claims for the return of cultural objects. On 20 June 2022, the council of the University of Oxford considered and supported the claim for the return of the 97 objects to Nigeria,” the official statement read. Also read | India is a neighbour, we can't choose our neighbours: Pakistan FM to WION The Oxford University has already forwarded their support to the Charity Commission that will be taking the final decision. According to The Guardian, the return should take place by autumn. “As one of several UK museums that hold significant materials taken from Benin in 1897, the Pitt Rivers has been involved in long-term research and engagement projects in partnership with Nigerian stakeholders and representatives from the royal court of the Benin kingdom.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Oxford University looking to return around 100 looted artefacts to Nigeria

Meta, more colloquially known as Facebook has been served a seven-day ultimatum by the Kenyan government to tackle hate speech and incitement on its platform. Failing to do so will lead to the suspension of its operations in the African country.&nbsp;

Reportedly, the ultimatum was served by Kenya's National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) ahead of the country's presidential elections, scheduled to take place next month.&nbsp;

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<h5>"Facebook is in violation of the laws of our country. They have allowed themselves to be a vector of hate speech and incitement, misinformation and disinformation," Danvas Makori, NCIC commissioner was quoted as saying.</h5>
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Makori further alleged that Meta was violating the East African country's&nbsp;constitution and laws regarding hate speech by allowing hateful content to be spread on its platform.&nbsp;

Nigeria bans Twitter

This is not the first time that a big tech company has been challenged in the continent of Africa. Last year, Nigeria banned Twitter after the microblogging platform&nbsp;removed&nbsp;President Muhammadu Buhari's tweet&nbsp;referring to the 1967-70 Nigerian Civil War.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Read More:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-bans-twitter-indefinitely-after-muhammadu-buharis-account-suspension-389533"> Nigeria bans Twitter 'indefinitely' after Muhammadu Buhari's account suspension</a>

Citing that the post violated Twitter's "abusive behaviour" policy, the Nigerian President's account was suspended for 12 hours. However, soon, Buhari took the matters in his own hands and suspended the company indefinitely.&nbsp;

Nigerian government claimed Twitter was banned as it was being misused for activities that were "capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence".

It was only in January earlier this year after Twitter agreed to the Nigerian government's demands that it was allowed to come out of its seven-month exile. Reportedly, Twitter agreed to set up a local office among other agreements with authorities to be allowed back in the Nigerian market.&nbsp;

As for Facebook, for the first time in its history, the company reported a drop in revenue. This came on the back of Facebook users declining in the first few months of the year. The company cannot afford to lose the Kenyan market where&nbsp;over 13 million users used the social media app in March 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Meta, more colloquially known as Facebook has been served a seven-day ultimatum by the Kenyan government to tackle hate speech and incitement on its platform. Failing to do so will lead to the suspension of its operations in the African country.

Meta, more colloquially known as Facebook has been served a seven-day ultimatum by the Kenyan government to tackle hate speech and incitement on its platform. Failing to do so will lead to the suspension of its operations in the African country. Reportedly, the ultimatum was served by Kenya's National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) ahead of the country's presidential elections, scheduled to take place next month. "Facebook is in violation of the laws of our country. They have allowed themselves to be a vector of hate speech and incitement, misinformation and disinformation," Danvas Makori, NCIC commissioner was quoted as saying. × Makori further alleged that Meta was violating the East African country's constitution and laws regarding hate speech by allowing hateful content to be spread on its platform. Nigeria bans Twitter This is not the first time that a big tech company has been challenged in the continent of Africa. Last year, Nigeria banned Twitter after the microblogging platform removed President Muhammadu Buhari's tweet referring to the 1967-70 Nigerian Civil War. Read More: Nigeria bans Twitter 'indefinitely' after Muhammadu Buhari's account suspension Citing that the post violated Twitter's "abusive behaviour" policy, the Nigerian President's account was suspended for 12 hours. However, soon, Buhari took the matters in his own hands and suspended the company indefinitely. Nigerian government claimed Twitter was banned as it was being misused for activities that were "capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence". It was only in January earlier this year after Twitter agreed to the Nigerian government's demands that it was allowed to come out of its seven-month exile. Reportedly, Twitter agreed to set up a local office among other agreements with authorities to be allowed back in the Nigerian market. As for Facebook, for the first time in its history, the company reported a drop in revenue. This came on the back of Facebook users declining in the first few months of the year. The company cannot afford to lose the Kenyan market where over 13 million users used the social media app in March 2022. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Meta served a seven-day ultimatum by Kenya. Could be suspended if it fails to act

Watch World Of Africa with Erik Njoka: - Don Santos' death ushers in new era in Angolan politics - AfroCentric curriculum in Kenyan school - Weaving Libya's filigree jewellery back to prominence

World Of Africa: Boko Haram link to Nigeria jail break | Burkina Faso's wavering unity

OPEC's Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo has died, Mele Kyari, the chief executive of Nigerian National Petroleum Corp said on Wednesday (July 6).

Barkindo, who was 63, was due to step down at the end of this month after six years as OPEC's secretary-general.

"We lost our esteemed Dr Muhammad Sanusi Barkindo," Kyari said on Twitter, adding that he died late on Tuesday.

The death was a "great loss to his immediate family, the NNPC, our country Nigeria, the OPEC and the global energy community," he added.

Kyari said Barkindo died hours after meeting Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and giving the main speech at an energy summit in Abuja.

Barkindo said the oil and gas industry is "under siege" due to years of under-investment, adding that the resulting supply shortage could be eased if extra production from Iran and Venezuela was allowed to flow.

OPEC's Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo has died, Mele Kyari, the chief executive of Nigerian National Petroleum Corp said on Wednesday (July 6). Barkindo, who was 63, was due to step down at the end of this month after six years as OPEC's secretary-general.

OPEC's Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo has died, Mele Kyari, the chief executive of Nigerian National Petroleum Corp said on Wednesday (July 6). Barkindo, who was 63, was due to step down at the end of this month after six years as OPEC's secretary-general. "We lost our esteemed Dr Muhammad Sanusi Barkindo," Kyari said on Twitter, adding that he died late on Tuesday. The death was a "great loss to his immediate family, the NNPC, our country Nigeria, the OPEC and the global energy community," he added. Kyari said Barkindo died hours after meeting Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and giving the main speech at an energy summit in Abuja. Barkindo said the oil and gas industry is "under siege" due to years of under-investment, adding that the resulting supply shortage could be eased if extra production from Iran and Venezuela was allowed to flow.

OPEC'S Mohammad Barkindo dies, Nigerian oil officials say

Around 440 inmates are on the run after a suspected raid by Islamist Boko Haram militants on a prison in Nigeria's capital Abuja on Tuesday night, an interior ministry official said.

The raid, and a separate ambush on an advance convoy of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari - who was not present - heading to his hometown in the northern state of Katsina, highlights Nigeria's going security challenges, especially in northern regions where armed insurgents and gangs are rife.

Shuaib Belgore, permanent secretary at the interior ministry, told journalists outside the Abuja prison - which has 900 inmates - that a security officer was killed during the raid and three others were injured.

He said the suspected Boko Haram attackers came for members who were held in the prison.

"They came specifically for their co-conspirators, but in order to get them ..., some of them are in the general (prison) population so they broke out and other people in that population escaped as well but many of them have returned," Belgore said.

A total of 879 inmates fled, the prison service said in a statement, with 443 still at large and the rest recaptured. It said four inmates were dead and 16 others injured.

"They have reported themselves to the police, some we have successfully retrieved from the bushes where they were hiding," Belgore said.

Outside the prison, the charred remains of several vehicles with bullet holes were seen on Wednesday morning, attesting to gunbattles in the vicinity during the raid.

Buhari, on his way to his hometown Daura, near the border with Niger, to prepare for the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday, visited the prison, questioning its intelligence system. He demanded a comprehensive report on the attack.

A helicopter hovered overhead as armed security officials brought in a shirtless inmate limping with a gaping wound on his leg, while another injured inmate was carried into the prison.

Buhari was not in the convoy of cars carrying an advance team of security guards, protocol and media officers heading to the president's hometown during the attack.

"The attackers opened fire on the convoy from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police and security personnel accompanying the convoy," a presidential spokesman said in a statement.

Around 440 inmates are on the run after a suspected raid by Islamist Boko Haram militants on a prison in Nigeria's capital Abuja on Tuesday night, an interior ministry official said.

Around 440 inmates are on the run after a suspected raid by Islamist Boko Haram militants on a prison in Nigeria's capital Abuja on Tuesday night, an interior ministry official said. The raid, and a separate ambush on an advance convoy of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari - who was not present - heading to his hometown in the northern state of Katsina, highlights Nigeria's going security challenges, especially in northern regions where armed insurgents and gangs are rife. Shuaib Belgore, permanent secretary at the interior ministry, told journalists outside the Abuja prison - which has 900 inmates - that a security officer was killed during the raid and three others were injured. He said the suspected Boko Haram attackers came for members who were held in the prison. "They came specifically for their co-conspirators, but in order to get them ..., some of them are in the general (prison) population so they broke out and other people in that population escaped as well but many of them have returned," Belgore said. A total of 879 inmates fled, the prison service said in a statement, with 443 still at large and the rest recaptured. It said four inmates were dead and 16 others injured. "They have reported themselves to the police, some we have successfully retrieved from the bushes where they were hiding," Belgore said. Outside the prison, the charred remains of several vehicles with bullet holes were seen on Wednesday morning, attesting to gunbattles in the vicinity during the raid. Buhari, on his way to his hometown Daura, near the border with Niger, to prepare for the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday, visited the prison, questioning its intelligence system. He demanded a comprehensive report on the attack. A helicopter hovered overhead as armed security officials brought in a shirtless inmate limping with a gaping wound on his leg, while another injured inmate was carried into the prison. Buhari was not in the convoy of cars carrying an advance team of security guards, protocol and media officers heading to the president's hometown during the attack. "The attackers opened fire on the convoy from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police and security personnel accompanying the convoy," a presidential spokesman said in a statement.

Some 440 inmates on run after suspected Boko Haram raid on Nigeria prison

Germany on Friday signed an agreement for return of hundreads of Benin bronzes back to what is now Nigeria. This is a biggest effort yet by a European country to return the looted artworks during colonial times.

The agreement was signed in Berlin by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Culture Minister Claudia Roth with their Nigeria counterparts. Germany announced last year that ut would begin returning the bronzes.

The first two artworks -- the head of a king and a plaque depicting three warriors -- were on Friday handed over to representatives from Nigeria.

"Today we have reason to celebrate, because we have reached a historic agreement -- the Benin bronzes are returning home," Baerbock said.&nbsp;

"These pieces are not only magnificent artefacts -- they are some of Africa's greatest treasures. But they are also telling a story of colonial violence," she said.

Thousands of Benin bronzes, metal plaques and sculptures that once decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin are now scattered around European museums after being looted by the British at the end of the 19th century.

Around 1100 of these artefacts are in about 20 German museums.

The biggest collection is held by the Ethnological Museum in Berlin, which has 440 -- considered the most important collection outside London's British Museum.

Negotiations are still ongoing as to which of the bronzes held by the Ethnological Museum will be returned to Nigeria, and which will remain in Berlin on loan.

Nigeria has been negotiating the return of Benin bronzes from several European countries and plans to build a museum in Benin City in southern Edo state, where it hopes to house them.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Germany on Friday signed an agreement for return of hundreads of Benin bronzes back to what is now Nigeria. This is a biggest effort yet by a European country to return the looted artworks during colonial times.

Germany on Friday signed an agreement for return of hundreads of Benin bronzes back to what is now Nigeria. This is a biggest effort yet by a European country to return the looted artworks during colonial times. The agreement was signed in Berlin by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Culture Minister Claudia Roth with their Nigeria counterparts. Germany announced last year that ut would begin returning the bronzes. The first two artworks -- the head of a king and a plaque depicting three warriors -- were on Friday handed over to representatives from Nigeria. "Today we have reason to celebrate, because we have reached a historic agreement -- the Benin bronzes are returning home," Baerbock said. "These pieces are not only magnificent artefacts -- they are some of Africa's greatest treasures. But they are also telling a story of colonial violence," she said. Thousands of Benin bronzes, metal plaques and sculptures that once decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin are now scattered around European museums after being looted by the British at the end of the 19th century. Around 1100 of these artefacts are in about 20 German museums. The biggest collection is held by the Ethnological Museum in Berlin, which has 440 -- considered the most important collection outside London's British Museum. Negotiations are still ongoing as to which of the bronzes held by the Ethnological Museum will be returned to Nigeria, and which will remain in Berlin on loan. Nigeria has been negotiating the return of Benin bronzes from several European countries and plans to build a museum in Benin City in southern Edo state, where it hopes to house them. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Germany to return Benin bronzes to Nigeria

Nigerian troops have found two former schoolgirls who were abducted by Boko Haram jihadists eight years ago, the military said Tuesday, freeing some of the last victims of the 2014 Chibok abduction.

The two women each carried babies on their laps as they were presented by the military, after captivity with militants who stormed their school in April, 2014 in northeast&nbsp;Nigeria&nbsp;in a mass kidnapping that sparked international outrage.

Major-General Christopher Musa, the military commander of troops in the region, told reporters the girls were found on June 12 and 14 in two different locations by troops.&nbsp;

"We are very lucky to have been able to recover two of the Chibok girls," Musa said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dozens of Boko Haram militants stormed the Chibok girls' boarding school in 2014 and packed 276 pupils, aged 12-17, at the time into trucks in the jihadist group's first mass school abduction.

Fifty-seven of the girls managed to escape by jumping from the trucks shortly after their abduction while 80 were released in exchange for some detained Boko Haram commanders following negotiations with the Nigerian government.

In the recent releases, one of the women, Hauwa Joseph, was found along with other civilians on June 12 around Bama after troops dislodged a Boko Haram camp, while the other, Mary Dauda, was found later outside Ngoshe village in Gwoza district, near the border with Cameroon.&nbsp;

On June 15 the military said on Twitter that they had found one of the Chibok girls named Mary Ngoshe. She turned out to be Mary Dauda.

"I was nine when we were kidnapped from our school in Chibok and I was married off not long ago and had this child," Joseph told reporters at the military headquarters.&nbsp;

Joseph's husband and father-in-law were killed in a military raid and she was left to fend for herself and her 14-month-old son.&nbsp;

"We were abandoned, no one cared to look after us. We were not being fed," she said.&nbsp;

Thousands of Boko Haram fighters and families have been surrendering over the last year, fleeing government bombardments and infighting with the rival group Islamic State West Africa Province.

The conflict has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced 2.2 million more since 2009.&nbsp;

Dauda, who was 18 when she was kidnapped was married at different times to Boko Haram fighters in the group's enclave in the Sambisa forest.&nbsp;

"They would starve and beat you if you refused to pray," Dauda said about life under Boko Haram.&nbsp;

She decided to flee and told her husband she was visiting another Chibok girl in Dutse village near Ngoshe, close to the border with Cameroon.

With the help of an old man who lived outside the village with his family, Dauda trekked all night to Ngoshe where she surrendered to troops in the morning.&nbsp;

"All the remaining Chibok girls have been married with children. I left more than 20 of them in Sambisa, she said. "I'm so happy I'm back."

After the Chibok school mass abduction jihadists carried out several mass abductions and deadly attacks on schools in the northeast.

In 2018, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters kidnapped 110 schoolgirls aged 11–19 years from Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC) Dapchi in neighbouring Yobe state.&nbsp;

All the schoolgirls were released a month later except Leah Sharibu, the only Christian among the girls, who was held by the group for refusing to renounce her faith.&nbsp;

Nigerian troops have found two former schoolgirls who were abducted by Boko Haram jihadists eight years ago, the military said Tuesday, freeing some of the last victims of the 2014 Chibok abduction.

Nigerian troops have found two former schoolgirls who were abducted by Boko Haram jihadists eight years ago, the military said Tuesday, freeing some of the last victims of the 2014 Chibok abduction. The two women each carried babies on their laps as they were presented by the military, after captivity with militants who stormed their school in April, 2014 in northeast Nigeria in a mass kidnapping that sparked international outrage. Major-General Christopher Musa, the military commander of troops in the region, told reporters the girls were found on June 12 and 14 in two different locations by troops. "We are very lucky to have been able to recover two of the Chibok girls," Musa said. Dozens of Boko Haram militants stormed the Chibok girls' boarding school in 2014 and packed 276 pupils, aged 12-17, at the time into trucks in the jihadist group's first mass school abduction. Fifty-seven of the girls managed to escape by jumping from the trucks shortly after their abduction while 80 were released in exchange for some detained Boko Haram commanders following negotiations with the Nigerian government. In the recent releases, one of the women, Hauwa Joseph, was found along with other civilians on June 12 around Bama after troops dislodged a Boko Haram camp, while the other, Mary Dauda, was found later outside Ngoshe village in Gwoza district, near the border with Cameroon. On June 15 the military said on Twitter that they had found one of the Chibok girls named Mary Ngoshe. She turned out to be Mary Dauda. "I was nine when we were kidnapped from our school in Chibok and I was married off not long ago and had this child," Joseph told reporters at the military headquarters. Joseph's husband and father-in-law were killed in a military raid and she was left to fend for herself and her 14-month-old son. "We were abandoned, no one cared to look after us. We were not being fed," she said. Thousands of Boko Haram fighters and families have been surrendering over the last year, fleeing government bombardments and infighting with the rival group Islamic State West Africa Province. The conflict has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced 2.2 million more since 2009. Dauda, who was 18 when she was kidnapped was married at different times to Boko Haram fighters in the group's enclave in the Sambisa forest. "They would starve and beat you if you refused to pray," Dauda said about life under Boko Haram. She decided to flee and told her husband she was visiting another Chibok girl in Dutse village near Ngoshe, close to the border with Cameroon. With the help of an old man who lived outside the village with his family, Dauda trekked all night to Ngoshe where she surrendered to troops in the morning. "All the remaining Chibok girls have been married with children. I left more than 20 of them in Sambisa, she said. "I'm so happy I'm back." After the Chibok school mass abduction jihadists carried out several mass abductions and deadly attacks on schools in the northeast. In 2018, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters kidnapped 110 schoolgirls aged 11–19 years from Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC) Dapchi in neighbouring Yobe state. All the schoolgirls were released a month later except Leah Sharibu, the only Christian among the girls, who was held by the group for refusing to renounce her faith.

Two kidnapped Chibok girls freed in Nigeria after eight years

Nigeria is reeling under growing instance of mass violence. Earlier 40 people were killed in the Ondo church. Now, armed men attack villages and two churches, they also kidnapped 35 villagers.

Nigeria marred with surge in violence, govt fears cooperation of criminal gangs and terrorists

Online platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Tiktok will be required to register and open offices in Nigeria and appoint contact persons with the government, draft regulations from the information technology development agency show.

The code of practice for "interactive computer service&nbsp;platforms/internet intermediaries" was meant to curb online abuse, including disinformation and misinformation, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said in the regulations posted on its website.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-massacre-gunmen-kills-at-least-50-people-at-catholic-church-485403">Nigeria massacre: Gunmen kill at least 50 people at Catholic church</a>

A statement from the agency's spokesperson dated June 13 said the regulations were developed with input from Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google and TikTok, among others.

The&nbsp;platforms&nbsp;are popular in&nbsp;Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation with more than 200 million people.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Nigeria Church Massacre

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NIDTA said the&nbsp;platforms&nbsp;would be&nbsp;required to provide to users or authorised government agencies relevant information, including for purposing of preserving security and public order.

They would also have to file annual reports to NITDA with the number of registered users in&nbsp;Nigeria, number of complaints received, and content taken down due to disinformation and misinformation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeypox-9-dead-in-congo-first-death-in-nigeria-in-2022-483734">Monkeypox: 9 dead in Congo, first death in Nigeria in 2022</a>

Nigeria&nbsp;earlier this year lifted a ban on Twitter saying the United States based company had agreed to set up a&nbsp;local&nbsp;office among other agreements with authorities.

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Online platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Tiktok will be required to register and open offices in Nigeria and appoint contact persons with the government, draft regulations from the information technology development agency show.

Online platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Tiktok will be required to register and open offices in Nigeria and appoint contact persons with the government, draft regulations from the information technology development agency show. The code of practice for "interactive computer service platforms/internet intermediaries" was meant to curb online abuse, including disinformation and misinformation, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said in the regulations posted on its website. Also read | Nigeria massacre: Gunmen kill at least 50 people at Catholic church A statement from the agency's spokesperson dated June 13 said the regulations were developed with input from Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google and TikTok, among others. The platforms are popular in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation with more than 200 million people. Watch | Gravitas: Nigeria Church Massacre NIDTA said the platforms would be required to provide to users or authorised government agencies relevant information, including for purposing of preserving security and public order. They would also have to file annual reports to NITDA with the number of registered users in Nigeria, number of complaints received, and content taken down due to disinformation and misinformation. Also read | Monkeypox: 9 dead in Congo, first death in Nigeria in 2022 Nigeria earlier this year lifted a ban on Twitter saying the United States based company had agreed to set up a local office among other agreements with authorities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nigeria to require social media platforms to open local offices

Meanwhile Nigeria's ruling party on Wednesday picked former Lagos state governor Tinubu as its candidate to run for the president's office in elections that are scheduled to be held in February 2023.

Nigeria Presidential Elections 2023: Bola Tinubu to run for President

Every year since 2000, Nigeria has consistently lost a significant share of its forest cover in the last 20 years. There has been an 11% decrease in the forest land and that number accounts for 1.14 million hectares of the cover

Impact of decades of deforestation in Nigeria

50 people were slaughtered inside a Nigerian Church on Sunday. The President Muhammadu Buhari hosted a state banquet the next day. Nigerians are furious, they're questioning Buhari's inaction over growing attacks on Christians. Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Nigeria Church Massacre

In Nigeria, a catholic church in the state of Ondo came under an attack by gunmen. At least 50 worshipers including women and children have been killed in the gruesome attack during Mass on Sunday.

Nigeria Church Attack: Police recover explosives from Church following attack

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