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  • Okonjo-Iweala: give Tinubu credit for stabilising economy

    Okonjo-Iweala: give Tinubu credit for stabilising economy

    • Stability opens door for investments, says Edun
    • First Lady lauds WTO DG’s $50m women fund

    The Tinubu Administration deserves credit for stabilising the economy, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said yesterday.

    She lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sweeping economic reforms, describing them as pivotal in restoring economic stability and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.

    She spoke after visiting the President at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

    Also yesterday, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reiterated that Nigeria remains “open and ready for business” with the rest of the world.

    He pointed to improved economic indicators as evidence of a stable and investment-friendly environment.

    Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, former finance minister and coordinating minister of the economy, commended the Tinubu Administration’s decisive policy direction.

    She believes the next focus should be on accelerating growth and cushioning citizens from the reform-induced cost-of-living crisis.

    Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said: “We think that the President and his team have worked hard to stabilise the economy, and you cannot improve an economy unless it’s stable.

    “So, he has to be given the credit for the stability of the economy. The reforms have been in the right direction.

    “What is needed next is growth. We now need to grow the economy, and we need to put in social safety nets so that people who are feeling the pinch of the reforms can also have some support to weather the hardship.”

    The WTO chief said her discussions with President Tinubu centred on how to build robust safety nets while unlocking growth through job creation, expanded investment opportunities, and increased household incomes.

    Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was in Abuja to brief the President on the launch of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a joint initiative of the WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC), unveiled earlier with the support of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    The $50 million global fund will empower women entrepreneurs in digital trade.

    Dr Okonjo-Iweala explained that the programme is designed to help women entrepreneurs build resilience against economic shocks, create jobs, and contribute more significantly to national development.

    Nigeria emerged as one of only four countries selected globally after a highly competitive process involving 67,000 applicants.

    A total of 146 Nigerian women entrepreneurs were chosen for the first phase of the scheme.

    Sixteen beneficiaries in the “booster track”, those already running businesses, will receive intensive technical and business development support for 18 months to scale up operations and create more jobs.

    Another 100 women will each receive $5,000 in direct funding along with one year of business mentorship.

    “This is just the beginning. We will all work together — the WTO, the ITC, the Ministry of Trade and Investment, and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council — to make sure these businesses expand, employ more people, and put more money in both households’ pockets and the nation’s pocket,” she said.

    Dr. Okonjo-Iweala noted that the initiative represents a social safety net in itself, empowering women to withstand economic challenges while positioning them as drivers of inclusive growth.

    Edun: strong, stable economy opens up Nigeria for business

    Edun, who spoke during a briefing on the state of the economy, said recent data on the country’s external sector, fiscal discipline, and subnational funding all point to a more resilient economic foundation.

    “When we look at the external sector, in the first quarter of 2025, the trade surplus was over $4 billion and exports increased by 9.8 per cent.

    “The exchange rate has been relatively stable with reserves up to $39 billion in July,” Edun said.

    “I think these metrics, which speak to stability, send a clear message.”

    According to him, the government’s policy direction has created “stable macroeconomic conditions against which people can plan and they can invest.”

    Edun noted that one of the key changes introduced by the administration is the restoration of fiscal discipline, particularly by halting the uncontrolled use of Ways and Means advances from the Central Bank.

    He said: “Steps have been taken to restore fiscal discipline and balance, and we have ended the unauthorised and above-limits funding by Ways and Means. There have been no debits to Ways and Means since early in this administration.

    “Gross revenues are 37.4 per cent of government revenues in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024.

    Read Also: Okonjo-Iweala mourns former President Buhari

    “Following GDP rebasing, we do have a ratio now of debt to GDP of less than 40 per cent, 38.8 per cent down from 52.1 per cent.”

    He added that this fiscal space had allowed the government to settle significant outstanding obligations.

    “In the last quarter, we did pay two contractors over two trillion to settle outstanding capital budget obligations from last year.

    “We, as a government, have no pending obligations that are not being processed and financed through the platform.

    “The focus will now shift to 2025 capital releases. Despite appropriation, it is when funds are made available and authorised for spending that government entities… should enter into binding commitments of government.”

    The minister said the administration has been increasing resources available to state governments for education, health, and infrastructure by repaying past deductions from the Federation Account.

    “Since the first half of 2023, the combined fiscal balance of the states has grown from 1.8 per cent of GDP to 3.1 per cent.

    “That’s from N2.8 trillion to over N7.1 trillion exactly, which is a surplus,” Edun said.

    “This has given them greater capacity to invest, and from an economic classification standpoint, the increase in spending of the states has mainly gone to capital expenditure.”

    He linked the improved state finances to reforms, including the removal of subsidies that previously cost about five per cent of GDP, with the savings now flowing into the Federation Account.

    “Not just that, but adhering to the rule of law and the sanctity of contracts, previously owed funds were now being systematically made available,” he added.

    On domestic resource mobilisation, Edun said Nigeria is implementing its most comprehensive tax reform to date, consolidating all tax laws into a single transparent framework, removing over 50 overlapping taxes, and reducing the complexity of tax compliance.

    “This is improving the ease of doing business and making the investment climate that much more attractive,” he said, adding that implementation will commence in January 2026.

    To support this, he said the government is introducing a revenue optimisation and assurance platform, applying technology, digitisation, and artificial intelligence to government revenue collection.

    “We are centralising and digitising the revenue collections from the ministries, departments and agencies, using technology to prevent leakages, and enhancing financial intelligence for decision making and very strong monitoring,” he explained.

    Edun restated the government’s medium-term goal of achieving seven per cent annual GDP growth, driven by public and private investment, job creation, and higher incomes.

    Priority sectors include agriculture, education, health, manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure.

    He cited recent efforts to attract private investment in Lagos bridges — including the Third Mainland and Carter bridges — as examples of the government’s push for public-private partnerships.

    “When you look at the population of Lagos and the size of the economy there, clearly it is a veritable ground for attracting PPP investments,” he said.

    The government, he added, is complementing private capital with public savings, while programmes like the Renewed Hope Award Development Programme are being rolled out to drive inclusive development.

    On agriculture, the minister admitted that performance needs improvement beyond the 0.7 per cent annual growth recorded in the first quarter of 2025.

    On energy, he said: “We do have a target of increasing to 6,000 megawatts by the end of this year.

    “We are looking to complete the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano AKK pipeline to provide reliable and affordable energy for industrial growth.”

    Edun said the government’s direct distribution of funds to vulnerable Nigerians is ongoing, with about half of the targeted 15 million people already reached.

    “About 8 million have been reached… and it’s not just once, it’s three payments, and that continues,” he said.

    The government, he added, is ensuring the process is transparent and accountable, with each beneficiary biometrically identified and paid digitally.

    Other support initiatives include NELFUND, the Consumer Credit Scheme, the upcoming Youth Investment Bank, and targeted funding for the digital and creative economy, including a €600 million facility with a special allocation for young women.

    “Our commitment is to build an economy that works for everyone with transparency, resilience, and purpose,” Edun concluded.

    First Lady hails Okonjo-Iweala

    The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, commended Dr Okonjo-Iweala on the $50 million fund for women’s empowerment.

    She spoke while inaugurating the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund.

    The First Lady said: “The inauguration is an important step towards expanding the participation of Nigerian women in global trade through digital tools.

    “This initiative aligns with the Renewal Hope Agenda of this administration and the President’s effort to diversify the economy and empower women-led enterprises.”

    Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Senator Tinubu underscored the need for women to embrace investment opportunities while leveraging digital platforms.

    She said stakeholders have a role to play in sustaining women-led enterprises and investments.

    “I urge all stakeholders present, governments, financial institutions, and non-profit organisations to sustain investment in women-led enterprises.

    “I urge them to continue to support inclusive policies that foster digital access, trade readiness, and competitiveness,” she said.

  • Subsidy withdrawal facilitator of devt., says Mbah

    Subsidy withdrawal facilitator of devt., says Mbah

    • Governor inaugurates 100 CNG buses

    Petrol subsidy removal freed up cash to enable governors undertake projects for the benefit of their people, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah said yesterday.

    Mbah stated this when  Information and National Orientation Minister  Mohammed Idris visited him.

    Idris arrived in Enugu for a two-day Citizens’ Engagement Series in the Southeast geo-political zone.

    Also yesterday, Mbah took a giant step to modernise transportation in Enugu with the inauguration of five ultramodern transport terminals in various parts of the state in line with his integrated blueprint for a modern and multimodal transport ecosystem

    Receiving Idris, Mbah said: “For us in Enugu, we are able to accomplish all we promised our people during the campaign, thanks to the bold decision taken by President Bola Tinubu, which has freed up resources needed to execute humongous capital projects,” .

    He listed some of the projects as including building of 7,000 classrooms, 3,300 hospital beds and 2,000-hectare of 260 farm estates across the 260 wards of the state.

    Mbah also pledged more support for the policies of the Federal Government, saying they are in the best interest of the people .

    The governor  launched 100  of  the 200 CNG Mass Transit buses acquired by the administration, the Enugu State Modern Transport System as well as over 80 modern bus shelters built.

    The terminals visited and personally inaugurated were the Holy Ghost Terminal 1 (Enugu Central Station 1), designated for interstate transport; Holy Ghost Terminal 2 (Enugu Central Station 2) for intercity transport; Nsukka Terminal (Nsukka Central Station); Abakpa Nike Terminal (Abakpa Central Station), and Gariki Terminal (Gariki Central Station).

    Mbah said the projects was the Phase 1 of the transport policy, in line with his vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

    Addressing supporters at the Holy Ghost Terminal 2, the governor recalled that until the commencement of the project in late 2023, the Holy Ghost area was “practically a synonym for chaotic traffic and general disorderliness.”

    Read Also: Tinubu kept his campaign promises on subsidy removal

    Continuing, he said: “Aside from the fact it constituted a major municipal blight, we knew we could not attain our audacious economic goals if we lacked an efficient public transport system that offered both comfort and dignity.

    “We knew that our goal to make Enugu the most livable city in Nigeria will be a futile bid if we were unable to tackle problems such as persistent traffic gridlock.

    “So, from the very first day of this administration, we made a promise: to build a world-class transport system that moves people, connects businesses and communities, and, crucially, that rightfully positions Enugu State as a model of modern governance, sustainable growth, and human dignity.

    “Today’s commissioning of the newly completed world-class terminals and the CNG Bus Mass Transit Scheme is indeed, beyond a ribbon-cutting exercise. It ushers in a whole new experience; fundamentally connecting our vision to action, and our action to the daily lives of the over seven million residents of Enugu State.”

    He explained that alongside the CNG Rapid Bus Service (Mass Transit Scheme), the terminals were “central pillars of our transport agenda – a multimodal highway to the future – integrating road, rail, air, and waterways into one seamless, safe, and efficient ecosystem.”

    He also described the terminals as catalysts for economic development and “engines of economic revival.”

    “They represent our capacity to deliver projects that empower Ndi Enugu and set our state on a robust trajectory of growth.

    “Already, this project is creating jobs, stimulating SMEs, and positioning Enugu to compete with Africa’s best. Through it, we’re creating over 20,000 jobs across BRT, 2,000 hybrid city taxis, airport operations, ride-hailing and support services.”

    He said that the Enugu Transport Management system would eliminate corruption that had been the bane of government enterprises to ensure sustainability, counting on an e-ticketing system that eliminates leakages, guarantees transparency, and ensures every payment is accounted for.

    “Commuters simply need to purchase a ticket and top-up as they find suitable. Remarkably, a single valid ticket grants the holder access to other buses. Importantly, our comprehensive insurance coverage protects both the assets and the people who use them,” he stated.

    Mbah thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to the state’s development.

    “Through words and deeds, the President has demonstrated a sincere love and support towards Enugu – and indeed the South East’s progress. An example is the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, which would clearly re-position Enugu as an aviation and economic hub.

    ‘So, we commend the President because no administration has given as much support to the sub-nationals as this President has done, he added.

    In his goodwill message, the Programme Director/CEO of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Michael Oluwagbemi, an engineer, who was represented by Tari Mayor-Bright, also an engineer, commended Governor Mbah for the ultramodern terminal and massive deployment of CNG buses.

    “This  is not just infrastructure, but a bold step in setting up a modern transportation system geared towards a cleaner, safer and more affordable transport for the people of Enugu State,” he stated.

    Also, the Managing Director of contractors, Planet Project Construction Company, Biodun Otunola, said that building five terminals simultaneously was unprecedented.

    “No administration has ever done this before since the history of Nigeria. We are in this industry and we have the records,” he stated.

    He described the terminals as products of a good research and political will of the governor to get things done.

    At the various locations, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor; Council Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area, Dr. Ibenaku Onoh; Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area,  Jude Asogwa, an engineer; Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu; Chairman, Ogige Market Traders Association,  Onyema Idoko; President, Nsukka General Assembly, Clinton Ogbonna; Chairman, Enugu East Local Government Area, Beloved Dan-Anike; Traditional Ruler of Nike, Igwe Julius Nnaji; Chairman, Enugu South Local Government Area,  Caleb Ani and the Chairman, Enugu South Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Mike Nna Ukwu, expressed the people’s joy over the projects and buses. They described them as economic catalysts.

  • Count APC out of terrorism, Basiru fires Canadian court

    Count APC out of terrorism, Basiru fires Canadian court

    The ruling  All Progressives Congress (APC) has poo-poohed the ruling of a Federal Court of Canada that classified the party and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) as terrorist organisations.

    Justice Phuong Ngo was reported to have ruled on June 17, that the two major parties in Nigeria are terror organizations while denying asylum to one Douglas Egharevba over his decade-long affiliation with both political parties.

    The judge dismissed Egharevba’s application for judicial review after the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD), found him inadmissible under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, IRPA.

    The Canadian Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness was said to have argued that the APC and PDP were implicated in political violence, subversion of democracy and electoral bloodshed in Nigeria

    The court records also showed that Egharevba was a PDP member from 1999 to 2007 before joining the APC, where he remained until 2017. He moved to Canada in September 2017 and disclosed his political history.

    Dismissing the judgment in Abuja yesterday, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru said the APC is a credible democratic political organization and does not seek legitimacy from a foreign bench and under a law that has no extra territorial application.

    Read Also: APC women leader launches senior citizens initiative

     Bashiru noted thar the presiding judge must be an ignoramus. He argued that APC was not party to the suit, maintaining that “the court has no jurisdiction to determine the status of a Nigerian recognized political party not to talk of declaring it as a terrorist organization.

    “The so-called judgment was obviously delivered from a jaundiced perspective and within the narrow confines of determining eligibility for asylum by an applicant.

    “The APC is a credible democratic political organization and does not seek legitimacy from a foreign bench and under a law that has no extra territorial application”

    Bashiru, however, noted that “it is unfortunate that some desperate and unpatriotic Nigerians will allow the name of the country to be brought to unpalatable commentary by racist judges on account of self contrived application for asylum.”

    Reports said that the Canadian immigration authorities flagged Egharevba’s affiliations, citing intelligence reports linking both parties to electoral violence and politically motivated killings.

    The IAD was also quoted to have based its decision largely on the PDP’s conduct during the 2003 state elections and 2004 local government polls, when the party allegedly engaged in ballot stuffing, voter intimidation and killing of opposition supporters.

    The tribunal found that the party leadership benefited from the violence and took no action to stop it, meeting Canada’s legal definition of subversion under paragraph 34(1)(b.1) of the IRPA.

    Justice Ngo affirmed that mere membership of an organisation linked to terrorism or democratic subversion is enough to trigger inadmissibility under paragraph 34(1)(f) of the IRPA, even without proof of personal involvement.

  • INEC distributes sensitive materials for Saturday bye elections

    INEC distributes sensitive materials for Saturday bye elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said all sensitive materials for the conduct of Saturday’s bye elections in 12 States have been distributed.

    National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun who disclosed this in a statement said all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been configured for the elections.

    He also disclosed that about 17 political parties have nominated 637 candidates for the 68 seats (6 Chairmen and 62 Councillors) for the area council election scheduled for February 2026.

    The statement reads: “The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Thursday 14th August 2025. Among other matters, the meeting discussed the final preparations for bye-elections, the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and the publication of the personal particulars of candidates for the Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “On Saturday 16th August 2025, bye-elections will be held in 16 constituencies across 12 States of the Federation, involving two Senatorial Districts in Anambra and Edo States; five Federal Constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun and Oyo States; and nine State Constituencies in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (2), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba and Zamfara States.

    “As Nigerians are aware, these bye-elections were caused by the resignation or death of serving members of national and State Houses of Assembly. Similarly, the court-ordered re-run election in Onitsha South 1 State Constituency of Anambra State and the Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State will be held simultaneously with the bye-elections.

    “All non-sensitive materials for the election have been delivered to the States. Election technology, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been configured for the election.

    “The recruitment and training of ad hoc staff as well as security and logistics arrangements have been concluded. The final consignment of sensitive materials will be delivered today as scheduled.

    “The Commission wishes to remind political parties and candidates that campaigns end at midnight today, Thursday 14th August 2025.

    “With less than 48 hours to the opening of polls, the Commission reiterates its appeal to all those involved in the bye-elections as political parties, candidates, voters, party agents, observers and the media to adhere strictly to the provisions of the law, regulations and guidelines. Doing so will ensure seamless processes.”

    On the resumption of nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), Olumekun said “the CVR will resume on Monday 18th August 2025 nationwide with the online pre-registration of voters.

    “The physical or in-person registration will follow a week later at the 811 INEC State and Local Government offices across the country on Monday 25th August 2025.

    “The list and locations of the centres, including dedicated telephone numbers for citizens in need of assistance can be obtained from our website and other online platforms. The active CVR Locator will also go live on Sunday 17th August 2025.

    Read Also: Fed Govt unveils skills drive to empower 20m youths by 2030

    “During the CVR, citizens will also have the opportunity to transfer their registration within a State or to other States of the Federation. Similarly, damaged or lost PVCs will be replaced as provided by law.

    “It needs to be re-emphasied that the CVR is only open to Nigerian citizens who are 18 years or older and who have not registered before as double or multiple registration is a punishable offence under the law”.

    The statement said further that 17 political parties will participate in the area council elections in the FCT scheduled for February, 2026.

    It said “Following the conclusion of party primaries for the Area Council election in the FCT, seventeen (17) Political Parties uploaded their candidates’ nomination forms by the deadline of 6.00pm on Monday 11th August 2025 when the dedicated portal automatically shut down.

    “In line with the provision of Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission will on Monday 18th August 2025 publish the personal particulars of candidates by displaying copies of their Form EC9 along with all the accompanying academic credentials and other documents submitted by them, in all our offices in the six Area Councils in the FCT.

    “The 17 parties participating in the election nominated 637 candidates for the 68 seats (6 Chairmen and 62 Councillors) in the FCT.

    “We appeal to Nigerians to scrutinise the documents. Any aspirant who participated in his/her party primaries with reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by a candidate is false can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court as provided in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.

    “The final list of candidates will be published on 22nd September 2025 which is at least 150 days before the day of the election in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 7 on our Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

    “The FCT Area Council election is scheduled for Saturday 21st February 2026. We will continue to update Nigerians on all our activities.”

  • Fed Govt unveils skills drive to empower 20m youths by 2030

    Fed Govt unveils skills drive to empower 20m youths by 2030

    The Federal Government has launched an ambitious national skills programme to connect 20 million young Nigerians to jobs, training and entrepreneurship opportunities by 2030 with women expected to make up at least 60 per cent of participants.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the plan on Wednesday as he assumed chairmanship of the reactivated Board of Generation Unlimited (GenU) Nigeria during its inaugural meeting, which coincided with International Youth Day 2025.

    In a statement on Thursday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “With over 60 per cent of our population below the age of 25, we cannot afford to squander this asset. An advantage unrealised is merely potential wasted. 

    “We must refine it, invest in it, and channel it towards productive destinies,” Shettima told board members, describing Nigeria’s youth as the nation’s “superpower” in a rapidly ageing world.”

    He warned that the national skills ecosystem faced a “trilemma” of exclusion, disconnection from livelihoods, and inadequate infrastructure for large-scale hands-on training. 

    “Another isolated training scheme will not deliver us from these constraints. What we need is systemic change — a new architecture built to last,” he stressed.

    At the heart of the initiative is the Digital Access and Livelihoods Initiative (DALI), which will link foundational and work-readiness training directly to guaranteed jobs or enterprise pathways. 

    The Vice President said all training will align with the National Skills Qualification Framework to ensure Nigerian youth possess globally competitive credentials.

    “We owe young Nigerians jobs. We owe them hope. We owe them the future, not just promises, but proof that their country believes in them enough to invest in their success,” Shettima declared, urging collaboration among government, the private sector, and development partners.

    Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the programme would focus on job creation, bridging the skills gap, and human capital development. 

    “Nigerian youths are not limited. We have the talent, creativity, and courage to thrive. What we need is a meaningful and enabling environment,” he said.

    Special Assistant to the President on Strategy and Policy (Workforce Development), Rimamskeb Nuhu, noted that DALI was designed to address foundational skills gaps, livelihood disconnect, and infrastructure deficits, with plans to establish Renewed Hope digital hubs across the country.

    Since its launch in 2021, GenU 9JA has benefited over 10 million youth through initiatives such as the FUCAP Campus Ambassadors Programme with Unilever, Microsoft’s Passport to Earning, Green Rising, and the Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership with the UK’s FCDO.

    Read Also: Fed Govt freezes establishment of new tertiary institutions for seven years

    UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described Nigerian youth as “the most critical assets of the country and the continent,” while UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative and GenU 9JA co-chair, Wafaa Saeed, highlighted the formal recognition of the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA) as the national youth opportunities aggregator.

    Private sector partners, including Microsoft, Airtel, IHS Towers, Unilever, CISCO, MTN, and Jobberman, are collaborating with government and UNICEF to expand opportunities in digital education, green jobs, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.

    Global CEO of UNICEF Generation Unlimited, Kevin Frey, commended Nigeria’s leadership in youth-focused innovation, saying the country’s vision and partnerships were “charting a new course for youth ecosystems at scale.”

  • By-election contest hots up in Oyo, Ogun, Edo, Anambra

    By-election contest hots up in Oyo, Ogun, Edo, Anambra

    • Candidates in last-minute scramble for votes as campaign ends

    With the official campaign ending today, political parties and their candidates are in last-minute push for voters ahead of Saturday’s by-election in Edo, Oyo, Ondo and Anambra states.

    Others are Kogi, Niger, Kaduna, Kano, Taraba, Zamafara and Adamawa.

    The campaigns are particularly intense in Edo and Anamabra where Senate seats are up grabs.

    The districts and constituencies are in Edo, Oyo, Anambra, Niger, Kano, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Jigawa, Zamfara and Kaduna.

    Ahead of the poll, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Nigerian National Peoples Party (NNPP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have intensified campaigns across the constituencies.

    According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, the rallies organised by the parties would end today.

    The Anambra South senatorial district became vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Peoples Party (YPP).

    A by-election is being conducted in Edo Central District to replace Senator Monday Okpebholo, who resigned after he was elected governor.

    The five federal constituencies are Ovia South West/Ovia South East (Edo), Babura/Garki (Jigawa), Chikun/Kajuru (Kaduna), Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North (Ogun), and Ibadan North (Oyo).

    The state constituencies are Ganye (Adamawa), Onitsha North I (Anambra), Dekina/Okura (Kogi), Zaria Kewaye (Kaduna), and Basawa (Kaduna), Bagwai/Shanono (Kano).

    Others are Mariga (Niger), Karim Lamido I (Taraba), and Kauran Namoda South (Zamfara).

    APC, PDP, ADC prepare for clash in Edo

    Although APC, PDP and ADC are more visible in Edo, other smaller parties – the Action Alliance (AA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) are also on the ballot.

    The candidates for Edo Central District are Prince Joe Okojie (PDP), Joseph Ikpea (APC) and Sergius Ogun (ADC).

    The House of Representatives candidates for the Ovia Constituency  are Omosede Igbinedion (APC), Dr. Osayuki Asemota (ADC) and Mr. Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi (PDP).

    In Edo Central, Okpebholo led the APC campaign for Ikpea while Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa took charge of the campaign in Ovia for Igbinedion, a lawyer.

    The former PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, led the party’s campaign.

    The chances of the APC is  high. It controls the federal, state and local governments.

    Okpebholo, Ighodalo and former Governor Oserheimen Osunbo hail from Edo Central and have been busy campaigning for their candidates.

    But many PDP chieftains, including former Commissioner for Finance, John Inegbedion, have joined forces with Okpebholo.

    The PDP candidate, Okojie, hails from the royal family in Uromi, which has the highest voting population in the district.

    In Ovia Federal Constituency, the coast may be clear for Igbinedion due to support of the deputy governor.

    The ADC candidate in Edo Central, Sergius Ogun, is a two-term House of Representatives member.

    According to INEC, there are 719,504 registered voters in the seven local governments where the by-election will be held.

    Read Also: By-election: APC woos voters with free medical outreach

    There 101,617 voter cards yet to be collected.

    Anambra South:  APC, APGA in war of words

    There is tension in Anambra South following accusations and counter-accusations by the APC and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    The candidates are Sir Azuka Okwuosa (APC), Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu (APGA), Chief Chuma Nzeribe (LP) and Chief Chris Uba (PDP).

    The Coordinator of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s ‘Ikemba’ Front, Sir Arinzechukwi Awogu, described Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the APGA faithful as ‘shameless,’ saying that they ridicule President Tinubu in Igbo in Anambra while they go to Abuja to praise him in English.

    But the President of APGA Media Warriors, Chiedu Obigwe, described the state APC chieftains  as people without brains, adding that APGA and President Tinubu have an inseparable bond.

    He said APC has no capacity to offer what APGA will offer the President in 2027.

    The governorship candidate of APC, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, said the party would win the elections in Onitsha North 1 and  Anambra South District.

    INEC deploy 2,062 officials in Ibadan North

    No fewer than 2,062 polling officials have been deployed by INEC for the exercise in Ibadan North  Constituency.

    The seat became vacant following the demise of Olaide Aderemi.

    The Commission also facilitated the signing oofa Peace Accord by the candidates at its Collaboration Centre in Agodi, Ibadan, the state capital.

    Signatories to the accord were candidates Akin-Alamu Dexter Femi (ADC), Olatunji Haastrup Adewale (APC), Odususi Olajumoke Olabisi (APGA), Oyekunle Fola (PDP), and Hammed Badmus (Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Dr Adeniran Rahmon Tella, said hat 272,196 voters are expected at 512 polling units.

    He said 217,980 have so far collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    Tella said the Commission has configured 526 Bimodal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, with additional back-ups of 48, for the poll.

    He said the election would be conducted in 12 Registration Areas/Wards:  Sango/Eleyele/Apete/Ijokodo, Beere/Oje/Odoye, Mokola Axis/Adamasingba Axis, UI/Agbowo/Agbowo Express and Gate/Basorun/Ashi.

    The REC added: “There will also be restriction on movement in 12 Registration Areas/ Wards in Ibadan North Federal Constituency which are: Ward I (Islamic Mission Primary School, Odoye) Ward II (St Stephen Primary School, Inalende), Ward III (Salvation Army Primary School Yemetu), Ward IV (Methodist Primary School, NTA), Ward V (Ikolaba High School, Ikolaba), Ward VI (St Gabriel Grammar School, Mokola), Ward VII (St Louis Grammar School, Mokola), Ward VIll (Chesire High School, Ijokodo), Ward IX (C&S New Eden Primary School, Mokola), Ward X (Immanuel College Primary School, Samonda) and Ward XII, which is (Methodist Primary School).

    In Taraba, it is Kanda versus Shittu

    For the Karim Lamido Constituency, Taraba Stste, the contest is between Ali Kanda (PDP) and Abner Shittu (APC). Both of them are greenhorns.

    The constituency has been assailed by insecurity in the last three months. Thousands of lives have been lost and properties destroyed by armed militias.

    Ahead of the by-election, APC set up a 55-man campaign council.

    It is headed by Senator Abdulazeez Yari, with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as vice chairman.

    But the PDP, which controls the state, said it is not perturbed.

    Abiodun warns against violence

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun warned against  violence during the bye-election in Remo Constituency.

    He spoke at a rally in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government, where he campaigned for the APC candidate,  Adesola Elegbeji.

    The seat became vacant following the demise of Adewunmi Oriyomi.

    Abiodun said: “Elegbeji will represent you well in the House of Representatives. She is highly intellectual, cool-headed, and knowledgeable.”

    Munya constituency, Niger

    The contest is among Gaje Dogari (APC), Joshua Bawa (ADC) and Sunday Sabo Adabyinlo (PDP).

    APC Publicity Secretary Honorable Labaran said the party would win because the Hugo administration has not disappointed the state. 

    The ADC Chairman, Mohammed Yahaya, disagreed, saying that his party would win.

    By-election: APC holds edge in Kaduna

    The Chikun/Kajuru Constituency seat became vacant following the death of the LP member, Ekene Abubakar Adams, in July last year. 

    However, LP will not feature in the contest because it is not listed by the electoral commission.

    Parties in the race are APC, PDP, ADC, and the NNPP.

    The absence of LP may tilt the scale in favour of the ruling APC.

    The APC candidate, Joseph Bagudu, hails from Kajuru Local Government Area, which had agitated for zoning, stressing that Chikun has produced  past representatives since 1999.

    The NNPP candidate, Haruna Adamu, is the brother of the late lawmaker.

    ADC’s flagbearer, Adamu Alexander, was the late Ekene’s Director of Finance; while PDP’s candidate, Dawaki Ashivelli, is a woman.

    Also, the Basawa Constituency bye-election may be a two-horse race between the APC and PDP.

    However, APC’s chances are buoyed by the influence of House of Representatives Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, who hails from Zaria.

    Barau woos voters in Kano

    The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, led APC stakeholders to Shanono to woo voters ahead of the Shanono and Bagwai State Constituency bye-election.

    The by-election would be held to fill the vacancy created by the demise of Halilu Kundila, a member of the APC.

    Barau appealed to the people to vote for Ahmed Kademu, the APC candidate, in appreciation for Tinubu Administration’s reforms.

    House of Representatives member  Kabiru Abubakar from Bichi Constituency urged the people to support the APC candidate for a brighter future.

    He highlighted the party’s commitment to developing the constituency, including a pledge to construct N10 billion worth of rural roads.

  • Airport incidents: Pardon for Emmason, Kwam-1

    Airport incidents: Pardon for Emmason, Kwam-1

    • Assault case struck out, ban lifted
    • Fuji musician for community service

    Reprieve came the way of Fuji Musician Wasiu Ayinde (Kwam-1) and Ms Comfort Emmason yesterday.

    They were left off the hooks by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

    Kwam-1 and Ms Emmanson were involved in airport incidents which led to the imposition of sanctions on them, including the remand of  Ms Emmanson at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.

    An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court yesterday discharged Ms Emmason after the prosecution withdrew a charge of assault against her.

    Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the charge after the police said it would no longer pursue the five-count charge.

    The magistrate admonished Emmanson to exercise wisdom in whatever she does in future.

    “This is because you might not be this fortunate in another matter in future.

    “I hope you will learn from this experience and become a better person,” he said

    The police said Ms. Emmanson (Bob), on August 10, while onboard Ibom Aircraft No. 5N-BXP parked at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Ikeja “did behave in an unruly and disorderly manner by shouting on top of your voice, abusing and assaulting the flight crew and refusing to disembark from the aircraft after landing.”

    The charge said she “did assault one Juliana Edward by slapping and hitting her cheeks”, and allegedly assaulted one Jokpame Sagun “by hitting her face with slippers.”

    She was accused of “willfully” damaging the aircraft divider cotton valued at $2,500, and tearing a braided wig valued at N110,000.

    Prosecuting counsel, Inspector Oluwabunmi Adeitan, said she was directed by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Lagos Airport Command, to withdraw the charge unconditionally.

    The magistrate then struck out the charge and discharged the defendant.

    Emmanson, in a post believed to be her Instagram account @soft_commy, wrote: “Thank you so much for all the prayers, love, and support. I’ve been released from Prison, but I’m still in pain due to how I was treated.

    Read Also: IGP orders investigation into KWAM I Airport saga

    “I just need some rest and medical treatment before I give out my own version of the event.

    “Thank you so much, my lovely friends and supporters. I really appreciate y’all from the bottom of my heart. God bless y’all. Thank You, My Great God!!!”

    Already, several fake accounts bearing her name with her photos have surfaced on Instagram as internet fraudsters seek to exploit the situation for their benefit.

    Keyamo: why Emmanson, Kwam-1 were pardoned

    Keyamo, stated earlier in a post on his official X handle that the Airline Operators of Nigeria had lifted the ban placed on Emmanson.

    “When the police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” the minister said.

    In the case of KWAM 1, the minister said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his flight ban to one month.

    The musician, on August 5, was prevented from boarding a ValueJet aircraft with a bottle of liquid, which he said was water, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    His reaction allegedly obstructed the safe operation of the aircraft, in violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023. He later apologised.

    Kwam-1 was seen ducking as the aircraft moved to take off, which led to the suspension of the pilot and co-pilot.

    Keyamo said the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will work with the music star “with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.”

    The minister said the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1.

    For the pilots, he said the NCAA is to restore their licenses after a one-month ban, after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal.

    He noted that the decisions were taken by the government and the airline operators purely on compassionate grounds.

    Keyamo later clarified that Kwam-1 will not be paid, and that his role as an ambassador, which he described as a global practice, is a form of community service.

    A passenger’s account

    A passenger who claimed to have boarded the Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos blamed the airline for mishandling the Emmanson incident.

    The passenger, Mr Ogebe David, who shared a picture of his boarding pass containing his seat number and other details onboard the flight Q1513, dismissed claims that Emmanson refused to switch off her phone before take-off.

    Ogebe’s account of the incident, shared on X through a verified account of Foundational Nupe Lawyer @egi_nupe, painted a vivid picture of what transpired in the aircraft.

    According to the passenger, there were only two air hostesses on the plane, probably because it was a small plane.

    He said: “One of the hostesses approached us and gave us the regular briefing for passengers sitting on the emergency exit. This hostess was exceptionally kind, polite and amiable.

    “After the briefing, she asked Ms. Emmanson politely twice to switch off her phone. I noticed thereafter that Ms. Emmanson was fiddling with her phone with some uncertainty.

    “After hostess 1 left to continue her duties, hostess 2 came with an almighty huff and told Ms Emmanson to switch off her phone in a very high voice.

    “Ms Emmanson, in a low voice, tried to explain to hostess 2 that the buttons on her phone for switch-off were not working, so she did not know how to switch off the phone.

    “Hostess 2 rebuffed her and kept insisting that she switch off the phone. Hostess 2 then told her that the phone she was holding was an iPhone, which did not require buttons to switch off.

    “The lady now asked the hostess to assist her in switching off the phone, and hostess 2 replied: ‘I am not touching your phone’. Hostess 2 now told her to go to settings and from there click on general.”

    “The lady now responded in an even lower voice saying: ‘Please I cannot read and don’t know what you said I should do. Can you just help me?’ Hostess 2 now: ‘Please I don’t have time for your nonsense. Better switch off that phone immediately’.

    “The gentleman sitting to my left in seat 14A and I were flabbergasted when we heard this and could not believe that an air hostess could speak so condescendingly and unnecessarily humiliate a passenger, perhaps because she was a single female.

    “We then intervened and asked the gentleman sitting next to the lady by the window of her row to assist her. He collected the phone and was assisting her.

    “Ms Emmanson then started asking hostess 2 if there was anything wrong with being unable to read and why she had to humiliate her like that to the whole public.

    “Hostess 2 now told Ms Emmanson to keep quiet or else she would deal with her. At this point, Ms Emmanson started cursing and told her she could do nothing to her.

    “Hostess 2 then said: o’Ok, you will see’ then she left in a puff and proceeded to the cockpit and never came back.

    “Some passengers sitting afar who did not know what truly transpired were shouting for Ms Emmanson to switch off her phone.

    “However, the passenger in seat 14A and I rose up stoutly and defended her and when they heard our explanations they all calmed down and the flight took off.”

    Ogebe said while they were airborne, Emmanson was upset and simmering. She kept on discussing the situation with the gentleman on her right till the plane landed. She was obviously quite annoyed.

    “I also noticed that Hostess 2 kept peeping at our row throughout the flight. She stayed upfront in the plane most of the time if I recollect correctly.

    “Hostess 1 on the other hand was completely oblivious of the raging storm (at least I thought so) and was kind, polite and professional throughout.

    “Hostess 1 gave extra water to Ms Emmanson when she asked for it in-flight and also helped her with bringing out and returning her food tray when snacks were served and also as we were approaching landing. Hostess 1 also helped put away some of Ms Emmanson things in the cabin above before landing.”

    Onground in Lagos, Ogebe said disembarkation was done in rows and before it got to their turn, Emmanson moved to the back, probably to use the toilet.

    He narrated how he had joked with his neighbour that they better left the plane before a war broke out but hoped that nothing of such would happen.

    “Disembarkation was being done row by row, and just before it got to our turn, Miss Emmanson exited her seat to the back of the plane and I presumed she went to the toilet.

    “We happily disembarked, and I forgot all about the spat in the plane until I started seeing all the videos and statements flying unabatedly.”

  • Govt slashes revenue deductions by NNPCL, FIRS, Customs, others

    Govt slashes revenue deductions by NNPCL, FIRS, Customs, others

    A review of deductions and revenue retention by major revenue-generating agencies has been directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The purpose, according to the Minister of   Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, is to boost public savings, check profligacy, and unlock resources for economic growth.

    Revenue-generating agencies covered by the order are the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)  and  Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

     The review order was given by President Tinubu at yesterday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.

    According to Edun, the President specifically called for a reassessment of NNPC’s 30 per cent management fee and 30 per cent frontier exploration deduction under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    The   Economic Management Team, chaired by the Finance Minister,  is to present actionable recommendations to the FEC on the best way forward.

    The President said the directive was part of efforts to sustain reforms that have dismantled economic distortions, restored policy credibility, enhanced resilience, and bolstered investor confidence.

    According to him, these reforms have created a transparent, competitive business environment attractive to local and foreign investors in critical sectors such as infrastructure, oil and gas, health, and manufacturing.

    Reaffirming the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu said Nigeria’s goal of a $1 trillion economy by 2030 requires growth of at least 7% annually from 2027. He described the target as “not just economic, but a moral imperative ” in tackling poverty.

    He cited the July 2025 IMF(International Monetary Fund) Article IV report, which endorsed Nigeria’s economic trajectory and the need for investment-led growth.

    Highlighting grassroots empowerment, the President pointed to the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme — a ward-based initiative covering all 8,809 wards across the country — designed to lift economically active citizens through micro-level poverty reduction strategies. 

    Tinubu noted that public investment accounts for just five per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product( GDP) due to low savings.

    He also stressed that optimising “every available naira” is vital, especially under current global liquidity constraints.

    Edun said macroeconomic indicators were improving, with a more stable exchange rate, easing inflation, rising revenues and an acceptable debt-to-GDP ratio.

    Read Also: NNPCL urges Africa to embrace tech in energy transition

      Edun also explained that he presented two memoranda to FEC— a $125 million Islamic Development Bank financing for infrastructure in Abia State. The fund will be spent on 35 kilometres of roads in Umuahia, 126 kilometres in Aba,and N4 trillion for the refinancing of outstanding electricity sector obligations.

    N13bn  for ROW compensation, $34m for  transformers 

    FEC also approved four major proposals from the Ministry of Power in a renewed drive to reform and strengthen the national grid and meet rising electricity demand nationwide.

      Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu said the first approval is the release of N13 billion for compensation on right-of-way acquisitions under the Lagos Industrial Transmission Project, funded through a $238 million development loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

    The project is for boosting power supply to key industrial clusters in Lagos, which accounts for a large share of the nation’s manufacturing output.

    “This funding covers compensation to property owners and communities affected by the transmission lines’ route. Once completed, the Lagos Industrial Transmission Project will ensure that our industrial estates have the dedicated, stable power they need to drive economic growth and create jobs,” Adelabu explained.

    The other three approvals, according to him, centred on the procurement and installation of high-capacity transformers to replace weak, overloaded and obsolete units on the national grid.

    The equipment procurement is valued at $34 million, with an additional N5.2 billion for associated costs.

    The breakdown includes: two units of 150MVA 330/132kV transformers; three units of 100MVA 132/33kV transformers; five units of 60MVA 132/33kV transformers; and two units of 30MVA 132/33kV transformers.

    “These transformers will be deployed strategically across the grid to relieve overloaded facilities, improve voltage stability, and accommodate the increased transmission capacity we are building,” the minister said.

    Adelabu described Nigeria’s national grid as an ageing system, much of which has been in operation for over 50 years.  

    He said: “Many of the transformers, cables and related components are weak and prone to failure. Regular maintenance and timely replacement are essential if we are to achieve a stable, reliable and effective grid that meets the needs of households, offices, small businesses and industries.”

    MDAs get next month deadline 

     Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) still processing contracts under  last year’s  Appropriation  yesterday got end of  next month’s deadline  to complete their procurement.

    The order was given via a directive by the President afer receiving the brief from Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Adebowale Adedokun at yesterday’s FEC meeting.

    According to the directive, which was presented to reporters at the State House, Abuja by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the BPP said over 70 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) are yet to conclude procurement for 2024 projects, even though the budget year should have ended last December.

    While the law was extended to allow for full implementation, the bureau noted that it is now more than 20 months since its passage, warning that  delays could result in avoidable liabilities for government.

    The brief recommended that President Tinubu obtain a full account of all projects awarded by ministers and their ministries, with ministries and  agencies directed to submit lists of projects for both the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.

    This aligns with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s circular on project reporting.

    Reaffirming the administration’s Nigeria First policy, the BPP urged MDAs to give priority to locally made goods and services in project execution, provided they meet international standards and are certified by relevant government authorities.

    The bureau, working alongside the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, will monitor compliance and forward reports to the Presidency for  action.

    On the 2025 budget cycle, the BPP advised that a significant share of projects be procured through open competitive bidding to stimulate job creation and reduce poverty.

    It also recommended that the BPP Director-General be included in all bilateral loan negotiations for infrastructure projects, ensuring professional oversight of procurement decisions and cost assessments.

    The bureau  expressed concern over persistent non-compliance with the Public Procurement Act by some government-owned companies and enterprises, despite the Finance Act 2020 mandating adherence.

    It warned that such disregard has fostered financial recklessness in certain entities and called for strict enforcement to bring all procurement activities in line with the law.

    Also yesterday,  the FEC approved the building of modern bus terminals in each of the nation’s six geo-political zones at  ₦142,028,576,008.17.

    Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, broke the news  after the FEC meeting.

    He said  the contract had  been awarded to Messrs Planet Project Limited.

    The terminals will be sited in Abeokuta (Southwest), Gombe (Northeast), Kano (Northwest), Lokoja (Northcentral), Onitsha (Southeast), and Ewu in Edo State (Southsouth).

    Senator Alkali described the project as the Federal Government’s first direct intervention in road transport infrastructure beyond road construction.

    He noted that the locations were selected for their economic viability.

    The minister said the absence of purpose-built bus terminals to serve millions of Nigerian commuters had contributed to increased crime, road traffic accidents, and the proliferation of arms and ammunition on the country’s highways.

    “In spite of the significance of road transportation in Nigeria, there are no bus terminals that address the needs of millions of commuters. This has resulted in increased crime, road traffic accidents, and the spread of arms on our highways”, Alkali said.

    The minister explained that the initiative, conceived by the Ministry of Transportation, is aimed at improving road safety, enhancing passenger comfort, and stimulating economic activities.

    He added that the proposal was brought before President Tinubu and the FEC for approval after a thorough assessment of its potential impact on national transportation and security.

    Fed Govt reviews Kano–Katsina Road contracts, moves to replace Carter Bridge

    A Major review  of some road contracts including  the 152-kilometre Kano–Katsina highway and the Lagos’s ageing Carter Bridge was yesterday approved  by the  Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    The meeting was  presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

    Minister of Works, David Umahi, broke the news to  reporters after the meeting at the State House, Abuja.

    He said that both sections of the Kano–Katsina Road — awarded by  previous administrations — have been significantly adjusted to reflect present-day economic realities.

    The first section, 74.1km long and initially awarded in 2013 for N14 billion before being reviewed to N24 billion, has now been revalued at N68 billion, with N6 billion provided in the 2024 budget and N34 billion in 2025.

    The second section, 79.5km, first awarded in 2019 for N29 billion and later adjusted to N46 billion, has been revised to N66.115 billion, with N80 billion allocated between 2024 and 2025.

    Umahi also announced progress on the 30.2 km Iyin–Ilawe Road in Ekiti State. The  project has been  split into three segments.

    The first 10km section is ongoing. Sections Two and Three —  10.1km each — have been awarded at N16.777 billion and N17.275 billion .

    On bridges, the minister said that urgent technical assessments on Carter Bridge and the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos revealed severe underwater structural deterioration, largely from sand erosion caused by illegal mining.

    Julius Berger, contracted for underwater repairs, recommended Carter Bridge’s immediate closure and replacement.

    It estimated about N359 billion for a new structure, with discussions on funding  already opened with Dutch Bank.

    Similar issues were discovered  on the Third Mainland Bridge. It is projected to cost N3.6 trillion.

    The Council  has approved the engagement of at least seven specialist contractors under EPC+F arrangements for detailed investigation, design, and bidding for either rehabilitation or total reconstruction of both bridges.

    The Council also authorised advertisements for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) bids.

    Beyond Lagos, Umahi said FEC approved interventions on multiple critical bridge failures nationwide, including the Jalingo Bridge in Taraba, the burnt Ido Bridge, the Keffi Flyover, Mokwa Bridge in Niger, collapsed bridges on the East–West Road in Delta and Bayelsa, the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, and the near-split Itoikin–Ikorodu Road.

    Emergency works on these structures will be consolidated and forwarded to the Minister of Finance for presidential approval.

    He noted that ongoing  works also include Jimeta Bridge in Adamawa, Mutamame Bridge in Kogi, Jebba Bridge in Niger, Gashua Bridge in Yobe, Eko and Marine bridges in Lagos, Bibi Bridge in Taraba, Artisan Bridge in Enugu, Apowa Bridge in Ebonyi, Opobo Bridge in Rivers, Baro Bridge in Niger, and Buruku Bridge in Benue.

    “We are tackling both long-standing structural problems and sudden emergencies to safeguard lives and the economy,” Umahi stated.

  • BREAKING: Fed govt bans creation of new tertiary institutions for seven years

    BREAKING: Fed govt bans creation of new tertiary institutions for seven years

    The Federal Government has imposed a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, citing the proliferation of under-utilised institutions, overstretched resources, and a drop in academic quality.

    The decision, approved at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, followed a presentation by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa.

    Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, Alausa said the challenge in Nigeria’s tertiary education system was no longer access but inefficient duplication, poor infrastructure, inadequate staffing, and dwindling enrolment in many existing institutions.

    “Several federal universities operate far below capacity, with some having fewer than 2,000 students. In one northern university, there are 1,200 staff serving fewer than 800 students. This is a waste of government resources,” the minister said.

    According to him, 199 universities received fewer than 100 applications through JAMB last year, with 34 recording zero applications. 

    Of the 295 polytechnics nationwide, many had fewer than 99 applicants, while 219 colleges of education also posted poor enrolment figures, including 64 with no applications at all.

    Alausa warned that unchecked proliferation of poorly subscribed institutions risked producing ill-prepared graduates, eroding the value of Nigerian degrees internationally, and worsening unemployment.

    He explained that the moratorium would enable government to channel resources into upgrading facilities, hiring qualified staff, and expanding the carrying capacity of existing institutions. 

    “If we want to improve quality and not be a laughing stock globally, the pragmatic step is to pause the establishment of new federal institutions,” he said.

    Nigeria currently has 72 federal universities, 42 federal polytechnics, and 28 federal colleges of education, in addition to hundreds of state-owned and private tertiary institutions, as well as specialised schools such as colleges of agriculture, health sciences, and nursing.

    Despite the freeze, the minister confirmed that FEC approved nine new universities at the meeting. 

    He clarified that these were private institutions whose applications had been pending for up to six years and had undergone full evaluation by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    Read Also: Fed Govt urges partners to invest in youth-led innovations

    “When we assumed office, there were 551 applications for private universities. Many had been stuck due to inefficiencies at the NUC. We deactivated over 350 dormant applications and set new, stricter guidelines. Of the 79 active cases, nine met the criteria and were approved,” Alausa said, adding that billions of naira had already been invested in infrastructure for the approved institutions.

    He stressed that the moratorium also extends to new private polytechnics and colleges of education to prevent further under-enrolment.

    Alausa commended President Tinubu for supporting the reform, describing it as a “reset button” for Nigeria’s tertiary education. 

    “Mr President believes fervently in education and has given us the mandate to ensure every Nigerian has access to the highest quality of education comparable to anywhere in the world,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Court discharges Comfort Emmason accused of unruly behaviour on Ibom Air flight

    BREAKING: Court discharges Comfort Emmason accused of unruly behaviour on Ibom Air flight

    An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday discharged Miss Comfort Emmason of charges bordering on unruly behaviour and assaulting the flight crew aboard an Ibom Air aircraft from Uyo to Lagos on Monday.

    Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the five-count charge against Emmason after the police prosecution team withdrew the case.

    At the resumed hearing, prosecutor Oluwabunmi Adeitan informed the court of new developments that necessitated the withdrawal.

    Read Also: Why Ibom Air passenger faced court action and K1 did not – NCAA clarifies

    She tendered an application to the court for the withdrawal of the case, which was admitted by the court.