News
Oxford English Dictionary Lists Twenty Nigerian Words and Pronunciations Online
The newly added entries include popular terms like “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi,” among others.
▪︎Image: Oxford English Dictionary
Nigerian English and Pidgin words have been gaining global recognition.
Thanks to The Oxford English Dictionary which now has 20 of Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update.
Here is the complete list of Nigerian words added to the OED: • 419 • abi • adire • agbero • area boy • cross-carpet • cross-carpeting • eba • Edo • gele • jand (noun, verb) • janded (adjective) • Japa (noun, verb) • Kanuri • Kobo • Naija.
A Nigerian English consultant to the Oxford English Dictionary, Kingsley Ugwuanyi, announced the update on LinkedIn on Tuesday.
He expressed excitement over his role in drafting the words and recording their pronunciations.
Ugwuanyi wrote: “I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Oxford Languages | OUP has officially published its latest updates, featuring an amazing collection of Nigerian English words that beautifully reflect Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and the unique ways we express ourselves as Nigerians.
“This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their hashtag#pronunciations!
So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my hashtag#voice bringing these words to life.”
Among the entries, “japa” is defined as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries (esp. those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.”
“Agbero” is described as “a person (usually a boy or young man) who works as a tout, typically at car parks and bus stops, collecting money from passengers and drivers, and ushering passengers onto vehicles.
” The term “419,” widely known in Nigeria, is defined as, “Fraud (now usually perpetrated on the internet) involving requests for advance payment in return for a substantial share of a large amount of money, which ultimately is never given. Frequently as a modifier, as in 419 email, 419 scam, etc. Cf. yahoo n.2”
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He explained that the newly added entries include popular terms like “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi,” among others.
These words, deeply rooted in the everyday lives of Nigerians, highlight the influence of Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural expressions that are increasingly gaining global recognition.
Notably, some of the words, such as “japa” and “jand,” appear as both nouns and verbs in the dictionary.
Pronunciation guides have also been provided to assist non-Nigerians in accurately articulating the words.
News
Tinubu Extends Tenure of Customs Boss Adeniyi by Six Months
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a six-month extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The extension, announced on Friday, comes as Adeniyi’s current tenure was set to expire. It allows the Customs chief to continue leading ongoing reforms, complete key modernization projects such as the National Single Window platform, and ensure a smooth transition for senior officers through promotions and retirements.
Adeniyi, who has helmed the NCS since his appointment in 2023, has been credited with significant revenue generation — including over N1.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2025 — and strengthened anti-smuggling operations. The decision reflects the administration’s confidence in his leadership to sustain these gains.
This marks the latest in a series of tenure adjustments for the Customs boss, following a previous one-year extension approved in 2025.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement, emphasizing that the move will further strengthen the NCS in achieving its strategic mandates in trade facilitation, revenue collection, and national security.
News
IGP Disu Appoints CSP Anietie Iniedu As New Force PRO
CSP Iniedu, a native of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is an experienced police officer with a strong background in public communication, intelligence management, operational policing, administration, and institutional accountability.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police, Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, as the new Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force.
CSP Iniedu, a native of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is an experienced police officer with a strong background in public communication, intelligence management, operational policing, administration, and institutional accountability.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pure Chemistry from the University of Uyo and has attended several professional courses in investigative interviewing, crime scene management, strategic communication, intelligence analysis, and human rights-based policing.
Before his latest appointment, CSP Iniedu served as Head of the Complaint Response Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he coordinated public complaint management and spearheaded initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
The appointment was announced in a statement signed by the outgoing Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid.
The new Force spokesperson has also served in several strategic positions.
The Inspector-General of Police expressed confidence in CSP Iniedu’s ability to lead the Force Public Relations Department, noting that his wealth of experience and professional competence will strengthen the Force’s strategic communication efforts, deepen public engagement, and support ongoing policing reforms.
News
JUST IN: FG to Embed Journalists with Troops During Military Operations
The Federal Government has announced plans to allow journalists to join Nigerian troops during military operations as part of efforts to enhance transparency, improve the quality of security reporting, and deepen public understanding of counter-insurgency and internal security efforts.
Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed that the Defence Ministry is exploring arrangements to embed selected journalists and media practitioners with military units during operations.
According to the Minister, the initiative will give journalists firsthand exposure to operational realities, the challenges faced by security personnel, and the sacrifices involved in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other threats.
“This will enable more accurate reporting and a deeper understanding of the situation on the ground,” Gen. Musa stated.
The move is seen as a significant step towards strengthening civil-military relations and promoting balanced coverage of security operations. It aligns with global practices of embedded journalism, where reporters are attached to military units to witness events directly while adhering to operational security protocols.
Details such as selection criteria for journalists, specific operations involved, and safety guidelines are expected to be outlined as the Defence Ministry finalizes the framework.
The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to address insecurity across various parts of the country, particularly in the North East and North West.
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