Nigeria News Headlines Today, Friday, 23rd March 2018

Here is a summary of top Nigerian news headlines today, Friday, 23rd March, 2018

1. Buhari promises to rescue remaining Dapchi girl

President Muhammadu Buhari has given assurances that the only Dapchi school girl still in captivity will regain her freedom.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists.

2. Lawmakers move against privatization of Ajaokuta steel company

Bill for an Act to amend the Public Enterprise (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act to review the list of enterprises to be privatised passed second reading on Thursday at the House of Representatives.

The bill which was sponsored by Rep. Nkem Abonta (Abia-PDP) and 300 others, seeks to remove the Ajaokuta Steel Company from the list of enterprises to be commercialised.

3. IGP postpones withdrawal of policemen from VIPs

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has suspended by a month the implementation of the withdrawal of Police officers attached to VIPs across the country.

The suspension of the order, comes after a meeting with the Commanders of Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Special Protection Unit (SPU).

4. Bill Gates criticizes Buhari’s economic plans

Bill Gates, on Thursday said the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan was not reflective of the people’s needs.

He said this at a special session of the National Economic Council held at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

5. Many feared dead in fresh attacks in Benue state

A fresh attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Guma local government area of Benue state, has reportedly left several people dead and many others injured.

The gunmen invaded the villages on Thursday afternoon, killing several individuals including children during the attack.

6. Senate confirms Aisha Ahmad as CBN deputy governor

The Senate on Thursday, confirmed the nomination of Aisha Ahmad and Edward Adamu for appointment as Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

It also confirmed the nominations of Adeola Adenikinju, Aliyu Sanusi and Robert Asogwa, as members of the Monetary Policy.

7. Police arrest 5 in connection with burning of a church in Kaduna

The Kaduna state police command have announced the arrest of five suspects in connection with the burning down of a church and police station in Narayi, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

As earlier reported by Naija News, youths in the area had set ablaze the church building over suspicion of foul play in the death of a worker hired to carry out some repairs in the church.

8. Presidential panel frees 80 prisoners in Jigawa

The Presidential committee on Prisons reform and decongestion, inaugurated by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Hon. Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN) has freed 80 prisoners in Jigawa.

The committee is chaired by the Chief Judge of FCT, Hon. Justice Ishaq U. Bello and were in Dutse, the Jigawa state capital for decongestion and assessment of prisons facilities in the state.

9. Nigeria takes on Poland in international friendly match

Super Eagles continue their preparations for the 2018 World cup tournament in Russia with a friendly game against the national team of Poland at the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group D of the World Cup alongside Croatia, Argentina and Iceland.

10. Ibrahimovic joins MLS side, Los Angeles Galaxy

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy and could make his debut for the Major League Soccer side this month.

The Swedish star has not hasn’t featured at all for Jose Mourinho’s United side since being substituted at half-time in a 2-2 draw with Burnley on December 26.

Read more Nigerian news here.