By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Nigeria has been ranked 112th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

This year’s ranking marks some improvement for the country which ranked 122th position in 2025.

Despite the improvement, Nigeria remains in the “difficult category” for press freedom based on the five indicators determining the economic, legal, security, political and social environments for journalism in the country.

“Nigeria is one of West Africa’s most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists, who are regularly monitored, attacked and arbitrarily arrested,” the report stated.

According to the report, around 30 journalists were assaulted, arrested and targeted with tear gas or gunfire while covering the social protests shaking the country in 2024 as electoral periods continue to bring significant violence against media professionals in the country.

It stated, “Crimes committed against journalists continue to go unpunished, even when the perpetrators are known or apprehended. There is almost no state mechanism for protection. In fact, the authorities keep investigative journalists under close surveillance and do not hesitate to threaten and arbitrarily detain them.”

The RSF expressed concerns over plummeting press freedom across the world, noting that “more than half the world’s countries now fall into the “difficult” or “very serious” categories for press freedom.”

“In over half of the world’s countries and territories (52.2%), the state of press freedom is categorised as “difficult” or “very serious.” This category was a small minority (13.7%) in 2002.

“In 2002, 20% of the global population lived in a country where the state of press freedom was categorised as “good.” Twenty-five years later, less than 1% of the world’s population lives in a country that falls under this category,” it added.

The report stated that while Norway held the top spot for the tenth consecutive year, Eritrea came in last for the third year in a row.

It added that Post-Assad Syria had seen the biggest improvement in press freedom of all the countries and territories in the 2026 Index, climbing 36 places in the ranking.

Meanwhile, RSF editorial director Anne Bocandé warned that authoritarian states, incompetent political powers, predatory economic actors deepen globally decline in press freedom, urging governments around the world to support accountability journalism.

“Current protection mechanisms are not strong enough; international law is being undermined and impunity is rife. We need firm guarantees and meaningful sanctions. The ball is in the court of democracies and their citizens. It is up to them to stand in the way of those who seek to silence the press. The spread of authoritarianism isn’t inevitable,” Ms Bocandé said in the report.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has approved the establishment of a National Aircraft Leasing Company aircraft leasing company to support domestic airlines with access to modern fleets.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision following a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, describing the initiative as a major shift in how Nigerian carriers will acquire and finance aircraft.

In a statement issued on Friday, Keyamo said the company would operate as a private-sector-driven Special Purpose Vehicle with government backing.

Keyamo said, “This initiative is a game-changer for our aviation industry. It eliminates the long-standing challenges Nigerian airlines face in accessing aircraft on competitive terms and positions the country as a hub for aviation financing in Africa.”

According to him, the platform will enable airlines to source aircraft through a centralised system rather than negotiating individually with international lessors.

Keyamo added that the government would provide support through sovereign guarantees while allowing private investors to drive the project.

According to the statement, the initiative is also expected to extend beyond Nigeria, offering leasing opportunities to operators across West Africa and the wider continent.

He added, “Through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the government will hold equity and earn revenue without direct financial investment. Our primary obligation is to provide the confidence investors need, especially in ensuring asset security.”

He noted that the model had already attracted interest from both local and international investors.

The minister said the initiative is expected to strengthen the aviation sector, improve airline capacity and position Nigeria as a hub for aircraft leasing in the region.

The Kano State Executive Council has approved a total of ₦61.63 billion for a broad range of development projects spanning education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and urban renewal.

The approvals were granted during the Council’s 39th meeting held at the Government House in Kano.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the decisions reflect the administration’s strong commitment to improving public services and accelerating socio-economic development across the state.

According to him, the approvals followed extensive deliberations on key governance priorities, with a clear focus on enhancing living standards and expanding access to essential services.

Education Sector Gets Major Boost
A significant share of the funds was allocated to the education sector. This includes over ₦4.45 billion for the payment of external examination fees for students sitting for NECO, NABTEB, and NBAIS in 2026.

The Council also approved ₦2 billion for the procurement of school furniture across 30 local government areas, alongside several projects involving classroom construction, renovation, and upgrades in schools located in Makoda, Tarauni, Ajingi, and Minjibir LGAs.
Waiya added that funds were equally approved to settle outstanding liabilities for examination fees between 2020 and 2023, as well as feeding costs in boarding schools.

Strengthening Healthcare Services
In the health sector, the Council approved key interventions, including the renovation of Wudil General Hospital and the procurement of medical equipment for major hospitals.

Other approvals cover routine immunisation programmes, polio outbreak response across all 44 LGAs, and funding for free maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare services in 484 primary healthcare centres.

Major Infrastructure Investments
On infrastructure, over ₦5.2 billion was approved for the construction of a major road linking Panshekara Underpass to Madobi Bridge, as well as road reconstruction projects in Gwale LGA.
Additional approvals include the renovation of government offices, upgrades at the NYSC orientation camp in Kusalla, and construction works at other key public facilities.

Agriculture, Water, and Environment
To boost agricultural productivity, the Council approved nearly ₦3.5 billion for the procurement of over 41,000 bags of fertiliser, alongside investments in irrigation and institutional infrastructure.
In the water sector, ₦3.48 billion was approved for the rehabilitation of the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant, in addition to funding for boreholes and utility services.
Environmental initiatives such as urban beautification, solar-powered boreholes, and drainage improvements also received funding.
Urban Development and Digital Mapping
The Council also earmarked substantial funds for urban development, including compensation for land acquisition, road projects, and the establishment of Gaya Polytechnic.
It further approved multi-billion naira projects for street naming, mapping, and house numbering under Phase II of the state’s urban planning programme.
Other Strategic Interventions
Additional approvals include funding for special intervention projects across 15 LGAs, settlement of staff entitlements at Aliko Dangote University, and procurement of ICT equipment to enhance government communication.
The Council also endorsed programmes aimed at economic empowerment, including support for butchers and logistics for Hajj operations.
Government Reaffirms Commitment
Waiya assured residents that all projects would be executed in line with due process and accountability.
He reiterated that the administration remains focused on delivering tangible dividends of democracy to the people of Kano State.

“The approvals underscore government’s unwavering commitment to improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and overall socio-economic development of Kano State,” he said.
He added that the Council also acknowledged recent recognitions and awards received by the governor, noting that they reflect the impact of ongoing reforms and leadership direction.