The Federal Government has introduced a USSD-based credit service to help Nigerians access loans for needs including food and solar power, while the UK government has unveiled new rules requiring most migrants to wait 10 years before qualifying for permanent settlement.\n<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero has defended the union\u2019s right to negotiate independently, and a footballer has died in a crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The Federal Government has also announced plans to replace the 1963 Fire Service Act with new legislation.\n<\/p>\n
Here are six top stories making headlines this evening.\n<\/p>\n
1. FG introduces USSD code for loans covering food, solar, others<\/strong><\/p>\n The Federal Government has introduced a USSD-based credit service designed to help Nigerians access consumer loans using basic mobile phones without requiring internet connectivity or smartphones.\n<\/p>\n Read here:<\/strong> https:\/\/punchng.com\/fg-introduces-ussd-code-for-loans-covering-food-solar-others\/<\/a>\n<\/p>\n 2. UK migrants face 10-year wait for permanent settlement under new rules<\/strong><\/p>\n Most migrants seeking permanent settlement in the United Kingdom will now have to wait 10 years under new rules unveiled by the British government.<\/p>\n The government said applicants would have to earn the right to settlement through their contributions and conduct.\n<\/p>\n Read here:<\/strong> https:\/\/punchng.com\/uk-migrants-face-10-year-wait-for-permanent-settlement-under-new-rules\/<\/a>\n<\/p>\n 3. NLC can negotiate alone, Ajaero replies TUC president<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero has insisted that the union has the authority to negotiate alone on labour matters.\n<\/p>\n His position counters that of Trade Union Congress President Festus Osifo, who argued that both labour centres must participate in such negotiations.\n<\/p>\n Read here:<\/strong> https:\/\/punchng.com\/nlc-can-negotiate-alone-ajaero-replies-tuc-president\/<\/a><\/p>\n 4. Footballer dies in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n A yet-to-be-identified footballer has died in an accident involving a Mercedes-Benz C300 and a bus on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the Magboro area of Ogun State.\n<\/p>\n The accident occurred on Monday in the Magboro axis, within Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.\n<\/p>\n Read here:<\/strong> https:\/\/punchng.com\/video-footballer-dies-in-lagos-ibadan-expressway-crash\/<\/a>\n<\/p>\n 5. FG to repeal 1963 Fire Service Act, rename agency<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n The Federal Government is set to repeal the 1963 Fire Service Act and replace it with new legislation that will transform the Federal Fire Service into the Federal Fire and Rescue Service.\n<\/p>\n Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Monday at the 2026 National Fire Safety Week in Abuja.<\/p>\n