The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • APC appoints Sen Danladi Sankara as political adviser to Yilwatda

    APC appoints Sen Danladi Sankara as political adviser to Yilwatda

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the appointment of Senator Danladi Sankara as Political Adviser to the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, a move that underscores the party’s commitment to strengthening its leadership with experienced voices. 

    Senator Sankara, a two-time Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is expected to provide strategic guidance on political affairs, grassroots mobilization, and national orientation.  

    During his tenure in the Ninth Assembly, Senator Sankara served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation. In that role, he provided oversight on policies relating to national communication, public enlightenment, and orientation programs.

    His leadership was marked by efforts to improve transparency, strengthen national values, and ensure that government communication remained credible and accessible to citizens. These experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of governance and the importance of aligning political strategies with national priorities.  

    Senator Sankara is also recognized as a grassroots mobilizer and strategist. His ability to connect with ordinary citizens and rally support has made him a respected figure within the APC. 

    He chaired the committee that delivered the party’s victory in the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency by-election, a success that demonstrated his organizational strength and tactical foresight. His track record shows a consistent ability to translate political vision into electoral success, reinforcing his reputation as a strategist who combines policy knowledge with practical action.  

    Analysts believe his appointment will help the APC refine its internal strategies and strengthen its engagement with the electorate. At a time when political parties face increasing demands for accountability and responsiveness, Sankara’s advisory role is expected to ensure that the Chairman’s office remains attuned to both national policy issues and grassroots realities. 

    His blend of legislative experience, grassroots connection, and organizational skill positions him to play a pivotal role in consolidating the APC’s leadership.  

    For the APC, this appointment is not only a recognition of Senator Sankara’s past contributions but also a forward-looking investment in the party’s future. 

    His presence in the Chairman’s office is expected to influence how the party approaches governance, communication, and mobilization, ensuring that its strategies remain both effective and people-centered.

  • Power minister assures Nigerians of prompt restoration of electricity supply

    Power minister assures Nigerians of prompt restoration of electricity supply

    The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians of the prompt restoration of electricity supply after a recent decline caused by a temporary shortfall in power generation.

     Mr Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power made this known in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday night.

    Tunji said that the minister gave the assurance during a meeting held with key power sector stakeholders, including Nigeria Independent System Operator (NISO).

    Others in the meeting included Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Ministry of Power, Power Generation Companies (GenCos), and Power Distribution Companies (DisCos).

    According to him, the situation is expected to be resolved within the next 24 to 48 hours.

    ”The drop in power supply followed an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Gas Pipeline (ELP), compounded by acts of vandalism on critical gas infrastructure, which disrupted gas supply to several thermal power plants across the country”he said.

    Read Also: Police recover 131 destroyed armored electricity cables in tinted-glass vehicle

    At the meeting, stakeholders confirmed that repairs to the vandalised pipelines would be completed within 24 to 48 hours, enabling the resumption of gas supply.

    The minister subsequently directed all relevant agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure the timeline was adhered to.

    The minister’s  assurance also came in response to a statement   by the NISO  informing the public and power sector stakeholders that it was closely monitoring ongoing repair works being carried out by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    NISO also confirmed that the pipeline explosion resulted in a significant reduction in electricity generation nationwide.

    According to NISO, several gas-fired power stations recorded reduced output following the incident, leading to a drop in available generation capacity on the national grid and a consequent shortfall in electricity supply to consumers.

    The system operator, however, noted that it had received assurances from NGPTC that restoration works on the vandalised pipeline were nearing completion and that full operations were expected to resume within 24 to 48 hours.

    Adelabu acknowledged the inconveniences currently being experienced by households and businesses.

    He emphasised that the disruption was temporary and directly linked to acute gas supply constraints affecting several thermal power generation stations.

    Given the increased electricity demand during the Yuletide season, he stressed  the urgency of restoring gas supply and ramping up energy generation.

     Adelabu said that preliminary investigation  had established that the gas supply shortage was caused by the ELP explosion and acts of vandalism on gas pipelines in the Niger Delta region.

    ”These incidents significantly reduced the volume of gas required to power key electricity plants, resulting in a sharp decline in overall generation on the national grid,”he said.

    Adelabu,  while acknowledging the impact of the power disruption on businesses and households,  assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the issue swiftly.

    “We understand the frustration this has caused Nigerians.

    “However, we wish to assure the public that the federal government, through the Ministry of Power, is working round the clock to address the situation with utmost urgency,” he said.

    He also expressed confidence that a marked improvement in gas supply and power generation would be achieved within the next 24 to 48 hours, with a gradual return to normal generation levels thereafter.

    The minister further stated that the federal government was treating the incident with utmost seriousness.

    He  noted that beyond immediate restoration efforts, long-term measures were being accelerated to diversify the nation’s energy mix, strengthen grid resilience, and deploy advanced surveillance technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure.

    Adelabu appealed to the public for patience and understanding during the temporary disruption.

    He also  urged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around power and gas facilities to security agencies, stressing that the protection of national infrastructure was a shared responsibility.

    Adelabu, however, reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu-led administration to delivering stable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to power homes, industries, and the broader economy.(NAN)

  • FG orders contractors to reopen highways, bars festive periods road closures without approval

    FG orders contractors to reopen highways, bars festive periods road closures without approval

    The Federal Government has ordered contractors handling its road projects to immediately open up major highways where construction is ongoing, warning that no contractor will henceforth be allowed to close work sites during festive periods without the express approval of the Federal Ministry of Works.

    The directive came as the government also instructed contractors operating under the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited Tax Credit Scheme to exit existing tripartite agreements to enable proper payment processing, following the expiration of the NNPCL funding arrangement.

    Minister of Works, David Umahi, who issued the directives on Tuesday in Abuja during an extensive engagement with contractors and senior officials of the Ministry, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had ordered the Ministry of Works to assume full financial responsibility for the affected projects.

    “The President has directed that all inherited NNPC projects must continue. However, NNPC will no longer be the one paying you. Payment responsibility now rests with the Ministry of Works through appropriate funding channels,” Umahi said.

    He explained that contractors must formally exit the tripartite agreements to allow the ministry process payments directly, warning that failure to do so would attract sanctions.

    “If contractors do not exit, we will terminate the agreements in line with contract terms,” the minister said.

    Umahi said the continued closure of major highways during festive periods had caused severe hardship for Nigerians and must stop with immediate effect.

    “No project site should be closed without formal approval from the Federal Ministry of Works. Certain strategic routes must remain open at all times,” he said.

    He listed key corridors that must not be shut down under any circumstances, including the Abuja Kaduna Kano road, the Keffi Mararaba axis, and major routes in Niger, Katsina, South South and South East States, warning that unauthorised closures endangered lives and disrupted economic activities.

    “This is very important. No place should close without our permission,” he stressed.

    The Minister also announced that misuse and abuse of federal roads by motorists and other users would no longer be tolerated, disclosing plans to engage consultants to clear static human and vehicular obstructions impeding traffic flow on major highways.

    He said bids for the consultancy services would be announced and opened in 2026, while urging road law enforcement agencies to intensify oversight of federal highways or risk being reported to the President.

    He warned contractors to take full advantage of the dry season to make substantial progress on projects before the onset of the rainy season, which is expected to slow construction activities nationwide.

    On funding, Umahi disclosed that outstanding certified debts from 2923 would be settled, revealing that ₦260 billion had already been approved by President Tinubu for payment.

    He said inherited debts from 2020 to date had been estimated at about ₦2.1 trillion but would be subjected to thorough verification before payment.

    “As of today, the total indebtedness from 2020 to date is about ₦2.1 trillion. We cannot swear to the correctness of this without verification, so, every document must be scanned, verified and properly documented,” he said.

    He added that anti graft agencies would be involved in the verification process.

    Assuring contractors of government’s commitment, Umahi said, “We know you cannot work if you are not paid, and that is why the President has approved that verified debts arising from NNPC funded projects should be settled.”

    The Minister announced a major reorganisation of the Ministry of Works, saying all directors and senior officials would be deployed to the field to supervise projects directly.

    “The biggest problem we have in this country is lack of supervision and lack of commitment. That must change

    “One of the first national agendas of the Ministry of Works in 2026 is discipline. Discipline in project execution, discipline in conduct and discipline in supervision,” Umahi said.

    He warned that contractors handling more projects than their capacity allowed would face audits of their equipment and personnel, with the possibility of project reassignment.

    “We cannot claim that we totally own our contractors. There are still contractors holding more than 25 projects without the capacity to execute them. If you have jobs, you must have the equipment and personnel,” Umahi said, adding that projects could be broken into phases and reassigned where necessary.

    To strengthen transparency, he announced plans to introduce a zonal project monitoring website, “Contractors will upload their evaluations. Supervising officers will also upload their reports. Everybody will see it,” he said, adding that certification would be issued within 48 hours of verification.

    Umahi also unveiled a structured mentorship programme aimed at building local capacity in the construction sector.

    “We have announced a mentorship programme. Do not be surprised when we send engineers to you to train them. No nation has ever developed by relying only on foreign expertise,” he said.

    Umahi commended contractors for embracing the policy direction of President Tinubu, particularly the transition from asphalt to concrete road technology.

    “Change is never easy, but many of you willingly adjusted your projects from asphalt to concrete. Asphalt roads that fail repeatedly within a short time do not serve the country well, and this administration is determined to build infrastructure that lasts,” he added.

    He also praised contractors for undertaking emergency intervention works outside original contract scopes, noting that such actions had helped save lives.

    “In emergency situations, lives must come first. Excessive procedural delays in such moments are equivalent to denying urgent care,” Umahi said.

    Acknowledging past disagreements, he said, “We fought a lot of you, and a lot of you fought us. But these disagreements were necessary for the sake of our country.”

    On his part, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, assured that the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) would intensify its mandate in 2026.

    He said with improved funding from innovative sources, the agency is expected to commission more maintained roads while integrating concrete technology into its maintenance framework next year.

  • No barrier to LGs’ access to statutory funds, says reinstated Osun ALGON chairman

    No barrier to LGs’ access to statutory funds, says reinstated Osun ALGON chairman

    The reinstated Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, Hon. Abiodun Idowu, has declared that there is no legal or administrative impediment preventing local government executives from accessing and utilising their statutory allocations.

    Idowu, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, made the assertion on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo.

    He said the recent judgment of the Supreme Court had affirmed their status as the duly elected and legally backed chairmen across the local government areas of the state.

    The ALGON chairman stressed that local governments remain critical to grassroots development and play a key role in addressing insecurity at the community level.

    According to him, “Before last week, we had two court cases hindering us to gain full control of local government and its fund but the two cases have been struck out, so no impediment is on us to spend the council fund again. 

    “We will soon start infrastructural drive across Osun State. My members have presented budgets before their Legislative Councils which will soon be passed for approval.”

    He appealed to members of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees(NULGE) who had embarked on strike since February 2025 to resume their duties and not to take a political side.  

    ALGON chair vowed that they will commence payment of salary of council workers as soon as they resume their duties, nothing that none of them will be punished. 

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for granting autonomy, stressing that it will tackle rural-urban migration and insecurity challenges. 

  • Two injured as tanker, multiple-vehicles collide on Lagos-Ibandan expressway 

    Two injured as tanker, multiple-vehicles collide on Lagos-Ibandan expressway 

    A multiple-vehicle accident involving a petrol tanker and several other vehicles occurred on Tuesday at Otedola Bridge, inward Berger, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement shared on X on Tuesday. 

    According to the agency, the crash involved a fully loaded Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker, two Toyota Corolla cars and a commercial vehicle.

    LASTMA disclosed that emergency responders were swiftly deployed to the scene. 

    Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), and LASTMA were all on ground to manage the situation, carry out rescue operations and prevent further escalation.

    “Our men stationed at Otedola Bridge responded swiftly to a multiple-vehicle accident that occurred at Otedola Bridge, inward Berger, involving a fully loaded tanker and other vehicles,” the statement read.

    The Lagos State Police Command also confirmed the incident, noting that no lives were lost. However, two persons sustained serious injuries and were promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention.

    “Our men stationed at Otedola Bridge responded swiftly to a multiple vehicle accident that occurred at Otedola Bridge, outward Lagos (inward Berger), involving a fully loaded tanker and six other vehicles. No lives were lost in the incident. However, two persons sustainedserious injuries and were promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention,” the statement read.

    According to Police, emergency responders are currently on ground, and efforts are ongoing to clear the affected vehicles and restore free flow of traffic.

  • Akin Alabi donates N20M to Ona Ara APC for Christmas

    Akin Alabi donates N20M to Ona Ara APC for Christmas

    Lawmaker representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, Hon. Akin Alabi has donated the sum of ₦20 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ona Ara chapter in support of its Christmas activities and grassroots mobilisation.

    The donation was announced at a party gathering in Ona Ara, where prominent party leaders addressed members. 

    Yinka Folarin, popularly known as Baba Oba, and Kunle Jenrade, who represented Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency from 1999 to 2003, both spoke at the event.

    They praised Hon. Akin Alabi for his ongoing road projects across Ona Ara, describing them as visible and impactful democratic dividends that have improved mobility and livelihoods in the area. 

    The leaders also assured party members and residents that more democratic dividends would be extended to the people of Ona Ara in the coming period.

    The event concluded with prayers for continued success, unity, and progress for Hon. Akin Alabi and the APC, as party faithful described the donation as timely and morale-boosting during the festive season.

  • NRC drops fare by 50 percent, records large turnout

    NRC drops fare by 50 percent, records large turnout

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) recorded a surge in passenger traffic on Tuesday following the commencement of a federal government approved 50 percent reduction in train fares for the Yuletide season.

    Major stations along the Lagos to Ibadan and Abuja to Kaduna standard gauge corridors, as well as key narrow gauge routes, witnessed heavy turnout, with several departures operating beyond capacity as travellers took advantage of the discounted fares to journey for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    The festive rail service, implemented by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, is scheduled to run from Tuesday December 23 to Sunday January 4, 2026, offering passengers nationwide a half fare option during the peak travel period.

    Read Also: Rail freight revival to reshape economy, says NRC MD

    Officials attributed the strong response to growing public reliance on rail transport and the relief the discount provided to families and group travellers in the face of rising seasonal transport costs.

    Passengers, who spoke with The Nation described the initiative as timely and economically relieving, noting that it eased the burden of festive travel and encouraged safer long distance movement.

    Speaking on the commencement of the exercise, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, assured passengers of safe, efficient, and customer focused services throughout the festive season.

    He said both standard gauge and narrow gauge services were fully operational, supported by enhanced security, safety, and customer service arrangements at stations and onboard trains to manage increased passenger volumes.

  • Oyebanji signs N415.573bn 2026 budget into law

    Oyebanji signs N415.573bn 2026 budget into law

    Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday gave formal assent to the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law valued at N415.573bn.

    The governor also signed two other bills including and the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025, and the Ekiti State College of Technology, Ijero-Ekiti Bill, 2025, passed by the state House of Assembly.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony in Ado -Ekiti,the state capital,Oyebanji described the three legislative acts as critical to the realisation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda. 

    The governor, said the development was a product of collaboration between the executive and legislative arms, adding that the timely passage of the budget would ensure the sustenance of the January–December fiscal cycle in line with global best practices.

    Read Also: Ekiti community seeks Oyebanji’s help on roads, health facilities

    He said that the 2026 budget, christened the “Budget of Sustainable Governance, stood at N415,572,070,139.44, with 47 per cent allocated to capital expenditure and 53 per cent to recurrent expenditure.

    Oyebanji explained that the budget was prepared after wide consultations with Ekiti people and strictly aligned with the six pillars of his administration derived from the Ekiti State Development Plan 2021–2050.

    He noted that the priority areas in the 2026 fiscal year include the completion of ongoing projects, food security, wealth creation and infrastructural development, noting that the budget would also help the government consolidate its achievements as it approaches the end of its first term in office.

    The governor also announced the signing of the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025, describing it as a bold step towards transparency, accountability and business-friendly governance. 

    He said Ekiti had become the first state in the federation to align its internal revenue laws with the four new National Tax Reform Acts.

    Oyebanji said the new law repealed the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Law, 2019 (as amended), eliminated manual billing and cash transactions, adopted a fully electronic payment system and introduced measures to curb double taxation and extortion. 

    He added that the law would harmonise taxes between the state and local governments while strengthening the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service as the sole revenue-collecting agency.

    On the Ekiti State College of Technology, Ijero-Ekiti Law, the governor said the legislation repealed the former College of Health Sciences and Technology Law of 2019, effectively upgrading the institution to a polytechnic. 

    He said the new legislative act had made provisions for improved funding, staff welfare, academic programmes as well as infrastructure to ensure a seamless transition.

    Oyebanji commended the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, and other lawmakers for their support, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service for their roles in budget preparation and revenue reforms.

    He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support for Ekiti State, assuring residents that his administration would continue to pursue policies aimed at improving the welfare and prosperity of the people.

  • Akwa Ibom allays fears over new tax reforms

    Akwa Ibom allays fears over new tax reforms

    The Akwa Ibom state government has allayed fears and anxieties over the new tax reforms of the federal government due for implementation from January next year.

    Executive Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Revenue Service, Mr Okon Okon described such sentiments about the new tax reform as unfounded and political.

    He said that new tax regime is designed to lift considerable burden of taxes off Nigerians, boasts economic activities and drive growth and development across the country 

    Okon, a member of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms stated this while making a presentation on the implementation of the new tax regime with the organised private sector in the state held at the ICT-Recource Centre, office of the Account general in Uyo on Tuesday

    He added, ”The new national tax reforms is design to lift considerable burden of taxes off Nigerians and bring respite , boost economic activities, and drive growth and development across the country. 

    ”The anxiety over the tax reforms is unfounded as it political as the new tax regime is designed to correct observable loopholes in the national tax system, check multiple taxation, and curtail the activities of non State actors.”‘

    Okon appreciated the state Governor Umo Eno, for his support to the Revenue Board to carry out the ongoing sensitization and creation of awareness across critical stakeholders’ in the state 

    He highlighted the implications and impact of the new reforms on the Local Government, States and the Federal Government, noting that in Akwa Ibom State there are 63 different taxes in the existing tax framework with the Federal Government collecting 17 different taxes, the state 25 and Local Government 21

    He said however these have been reduced reduced to about 10 under the tax reforms, with clear clarifications and categorical limits placed on what would go to each tier of the government and where there was need for negotiations for equity and fairness. 

     The chairman, who is also the fellow/council member Chartered Institute of Taxation also dispelled the erroneous claim in some quarters that Nigerians would not access their bank accounts without Tax Identification card from January 1st 2026, describing it as false and incorrect 

    He also emphasized that money in someone’s account is not taxable because it doesn’t not represent income. 

     ”There have been so much talk about Tax ID in the last one month, the turn out to register for Tax ID has been been unprecedented why? Because Nigerians have been misinformed that come 1st January 2026, they will not be able to access their account without Tax ID, this is not correct; it’s not true. 

    ”You will still have access to your account without your tax ID but you will have it definitely in the course of the year, but what Iam saying is that January 1st is not the deadline for tax ID. So go and tell your families, friends to relax”

    Okon disclosed that the Joint Revenue Board has unveiled a website that can produce tax ID within a period of 20 seconds, adding that what they need to do is type in your NIN number and date of birth. 

    According to him, ”The JTB has come up with a website that in 20 seconds, you can do a tax ID for yourself. All you need to do is your NIN number, once you type in your NIN and your date of birth, the ID card will come out. So if you don’t have you don’t need to rush, by January or so the website will be launched and if you go to the bank the bank will do it for you

    ”’Secondly, we are not taxing money in your account because money in your account does not represent income, in taxation we tax income

    He appreciated the state Governor Umo Eno, for his support to the Revenue Board to carry out the ongoing sensitization and creation of awareness across critical stakeholders’ in the state

  • Promotion in police force transparent – IGP

    Promotion in police force transparent – IGP

    • …decorates senior police officers   

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday reiterated that promotion in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is transparent and to motivate performance of personnel.

    Egbetokun said this while decorating Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hussaini Gumel, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Abaniwonda Suraj Olufemi, Commissioner of Police (CP) Ofem Arikpo, and other officers with their new ranks at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

    The IGP said, “Promotion within the Nigeria Police Force is not a routine administrative exercise; it is a deliberate institutional decision grounded in service record, leadership capacity, and demonstrated readiness for higher responsibility. With higher rank comes increased visibility and scrutiny. Senior officers must demonstrate competence not only in operations, but also in stakeholder engagement, inter-agency coordination, and community relations”.

    Egbetokun emphasized that ethical leadership remains non-negotiable, noting that integrity, accountability, and respect for human dignity must guide officers’ actions.

    “Misconduct tolerated at senior level weakens discipline and erodes public trust. You must therefore be firm, fair, and consistent in enforcing professional standards within your commands,” he added.

    He described promotion as a renewed call to service, adding that, “The authority you carry today comes with heightened administrative, operational, and ethical accountability. The conduct of officers under your command will increasingly reflect your leadership choices and standards.”

    He said, “As you assume these higher responsibilities, I expect leadership that is lawful, disciplined, measured, and results-driven. Balance authority with restraint, enforcement with justice, and operational urgency with strategic foresight.

    “Let today serve as both recognition and reminder, recognition of service rendered, and reminder of the higher standards now required of you. The Nigeria Police Force depends on senior leaders who can inspire confidence, enforce discipline, and deliver measurable security outcomes.

    “You are therefore charged to justify this elevation through disciplined leadership, sound professional judgement, and demonstrable results. At this level of command, experience must translate into clarity of decision-making, consistency in standards, and measurable improvement in operational outcomes. The confidence reposed in you is institutional, and it must be repaid through leadership that strengthens public trust, reinforces internal discipline, and advances the effectiveness and credibility of the Nigeria Police Force.

    “I once again congratulate all officers decorated today and express my appreciation to their families for their sacrifices and steadfast support.

    The decorated officers, including DIG Hussaini Gumel, AIG Abaniwonda Suraj Olufemi, and CP Ofem Arikpo, were acknowledged for their years of consistent service, operational experience, and adherence to professional standards.