The Federal Government and Lagos State have joined forces to launch an unprecedented nationwide crackdown on unsafe buildings in a decisive move to halt the recurring wave of collapses that have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.
Under the National Building Safety and Structural Integrity Initiative (NBSSII), the Federal Government will carry out a nationwide audit of existing structures, enforce uniform inspection and certification standards, and introduce real-time monitoring using e-GIS mapping technology.
The initiative will also see the inauguration of a National Building Code Advisory Committee and the activation of a ministerial task team to investigate the root causes of building failures.
Housing and Urban Development Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, disclosed the measures in a keynote address delivered at a workshop on NBSSII held in Lagos. The minister, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Shuaib Belgore, lamented that building collapses often result from poor designs, substandard construction materials, and weak enforcement of building regulations.
“Every building collapse is not just about the lives lost but also about the broken trust between government, professionals, and citizens. We must restore that trust by ensuring that every structure meets safety standards from design to completion,” Dangiwa stated.
The workshop, organised by Lagos State in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, was part of a national campaign to strengthen public awareness and technical compliance in the building sector.
Hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Tafawa Balewa Square, the event brought together senior government officials, regulatory agencies, industry experts, and professional associations to chart a unified path towards safer construction practices.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the federal-state partnership, describing it as a turning point in the fight against unsafe buildings. He highlighted Lagos’ Certified Structural Integrity Programme (CSIP) as a model for other states to adopt, noting that shared responsibility between professionals, regulators, and the public is key to sustainable safety.
“We must build for life, not for collapse. This is not just about compliance; it is about protecting our people and safeguarding our cities for generations to come,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The NBSSII’s rollout will begin with pilot audits in high-risk states before expanding nationwide. Authorities say strict penalties will follow for defaulters, while public sensitisation campaigns will ensure that citizens understand their role in demanding and maintaining structural safety.
SQN Foundation marks International Youth Day with skills empowerment drive in Lagos
The Sine Qua Non (SQN) Foundation has celebrated International Youth Day 2025 with an empowerment programme in Isheri Olofin, Lagos, themed “From Passion to Profession: Vocational Skills for Youth Empowerment.”
The event brought together youths, educators, entrepreneurs, and traditional leaders to promote the importance of equipping young people with practical skills to navigate the current economic challenges.
Hosted by His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal-Bello of Isheri Olofin Kingdom — represented by Olori Bello — the monarch praised the initiative for prioritising vocational training.
“Success today goes beyond academics. A skill can break financial barriers and help young people build a sustainable future,” she said, urging parents and youths to embrace hands-on learning as a pathway to self-reliance.
Guest speaker and educationist, Mr. Tomi Otebade, cautioned that the white-collar job market is oversaturated.
“Your degree is not enough anymore. We are in a global economic crisis, and the only way out is to pick up a skill,” he said, noting that many government-run training centres in Lagos remain underused due to low awareness.
Otebade also commended SQN Foundation founder, Mr. Emmanuel Oyedepo, for his commitment to youth development, stating, “If we had more like him, our society would be much better.”
Representing the founder, SQN Foundation Programme Manager, Mr. Henry Madufor, said the organisation’s mission is to redirect youths from excessive social media use to skill acquisition.
“This programme is our way of showing that passion can be turned into a profession. We will sponsor selected participants for advanced vocational training and track their progress through mentorship,” he explained.
The event also featured practical advice from professionals, including lawyer and HR consultant, Mildred Jaja; fashion designer, Adewale Adetunji; and Oluchi, founder of Nails and Lush. They urged the youths to seize the opportunity, stressing that skills offer a more reliable path to stability than certificates alone.
Charging the youth to take full advantage of opportunities on offer, Jaja said: “Many of us never got this chance of learning skills, so don’t waste it. Develop your skill, it will open doors, your certificate alone may not.”
For Adetunji, he reminded the attendees that “education is great, but in this economy, it’s not enough. Skills are what will sustain you and your family.”
On her part. Oluchi shared her journey into nail artistry and encouraged the youths to value customer service and product knowledge.
“If you treat clients right, they’ll refer others. Learn well, and don’t rush into shortcuts,” she added.
Closing the event, SQN Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through scholarships, mentorship, and continuous engagement. Across all contributions, one message was clear: the future will belong to young people who are not only educated but also skilled, resourceful, and entrepreneurial.
Lagos state led others in Premium Motor Spirit truck out in June 2025 with 205,664,228 litres, followed by Ogun state with 88, 686, 299 litres. Jigawa state recorded the least with 9, 439,878 litres in the month under review.
These figures are contained in a documented titled: “Report on the supply and distribution of petroleum products in June 2025” which was addressed to the Chairman of the Federation Revenue Reconciliation Committee (FRRC) dated July 10, 2025, by the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
In the document, sighted by The Nation, which contained a detailed breakdown of both supply and distribution of petroleum products for the month of June, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol supply in the month of June 2025 stood at 1, 478,316,745 litres in the month of June 2025. This represent a drop of 290, 496,059 litres or 16.42 per cent drop when compared to what was supplied into the market in the preceding month of May 2025, which was 1,768,812,804 litres.
On the distribution side, PMS supplied in the month under review, also recorded a 14.62 per cent drop or 246, 665, 430 litres with 1,440,768,129 litres was distributed in June compared to 1, 687,433,559 litres distributed in May.
Other products listed in the supply period include AGO 432,180,605 as against 424,829,199; HHK, 7, 786,164 in june compared to 8,956,329 in May; ATK, 37,657,833 in June as against 72,364,435 in May and LPFO with zero supply in June compared to 116,401 in May.
On the distribution side, AGO recorded 424,063,658 litres in June compared to 552,354,997 litres recorded in May; HHK, 7,786,164 in June, compared to 8,956,329 in May; ATK was 56,262,775 in June as against 67,412,938 recorded in May and LPFO with zero distribution in June as against 116,401 litres in May.
The programme is designed for engineers, technicians and energy professionals interested in renewable energy-powered and cold storage systems especially for applications in agriculture, healthcare and logistics.
The training is being organised in partnership with Nigerian Renewable Energy firms and Dutch organisations with co-funding from the Dutch Government and will be delivered in collaboration with Rubitec Nigeria Limited, a COREN-certified training provider.
Participants will gain hands-on experience through practicals and a curriculum developed with Dutch experts, including HAN University of Applied Sciences, Independent Energy, the Dawson Group and Larive International.
In a statement, the Managing Director, Rubitec Nigeria Limited, Bolade Soremekun, said the event billed for between October 6 and 10 is open via the training portals. He added: “Interested participants are advised to apply early because of limited slots.”
He said topics of the training include solar PV fundamentals, battery systems,cold storage operations, power electronics and full systems integration of the Polarstone solution.
“The programme will also feature real-world design simulations, system diagnostics and maintenance protocols equipping participants with knowledge to deploy sustainable cold storage solutions across Nigeria,” he added.
Rapper Odumodublvck has stated that Lagos is a detrimental environment for young artists to flourish.
According to his tweet on X, he said the city breeds selfishness, warning that artists who grow up there may become greedy, self-centered, and packaged beasts.
He attributed his success in the music industry to his background as an Abuja-bred artist. with the assertion that Lagos is the worst place for a young artist to develop their craft.
On his X handle, he wrote: “The worst place for a young artist to grow is Lagos. It’s the most selfish place to grow. You will become them; a greedy, selfish, and self-centered packaged beast. That’s why it was easy to run through the industry as The Machine wey I be. I too real for una.”
In a bold move to reduce crime and promote youth empowerment, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has launched a grassroots initiative centred on street soccer.
The program titled: “Lagos Street Soccer Star Oshodi 2025”, seeks to channel youthful energy away from social vices by leveraging the unifying power of sports, is said to be part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of crime in urban neighbourhoods and offer young people productive alternatives to idleness and gang involvement.
According to the Senior Aide to the governor on Grassroots Sports Development, Atewogboye Adebanji Adeoye said on Wednesday that the initiative will: “Provide safe, structured recreation for at-risk youth; Instil life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience; Foster community engagement and social cohesion; Boost self-confidence and motivation and Create pathways for personal and professional growth through sports.”
He further said the initiative reflects Sanwo-Olu’s administration commitment to inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and community development.
“By investing in grassroots sports, we are not only nurturing talent but also giving our young people a strong sense of purpose and direction,” he said at the launch. “This is about securing the future of Lagos by empowering those who will shape it.
“Goals of the Initiative: Offer alternatives to crime and social vices; Promote community cohesion; Develop essential life skills; Build self-esteem and purpose among youth.
“Expected Impact: The Sanwo-Olu administration anticipates outcomes such as: A decline in youth involvement in criminal activity; Increased civic participation among young people; A more inclusive and responsible social culture and Improved quality of life across communities.
“With this initiative, Lagos sets a powerful example of how sports can drive meaningful social change and secure a brighter future for its youth,” the senior aide noted.
Community safety initiative, First Response for All, has launched in Lagos to equip residents with life-saving emergency skills.
It is a collaboration between Betway, Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, Ojuse Foundation, and Nigerian Red Cross Society in Lagos.
The first in Lagos, the initiative empowers market traders, transport workers, and young athletes, with training in fire safety, trauma response, first aid, and others.
Training is delivered by Red Cross, leveraging its internationally recognised expertise in emergency preparedness and humanitarian aid.
Trustee and co-founder of Ojuse Foundation, Anu Anibaba-Amusan, said the campaign addresses gap in safety.
“Lives are lost not for lack of help, but because bystanders don’t know what to do.
“This campaign changes that, bringing knowledge into our communities,” she said.
The programme will be rolled out in high-traffic locations, with sessions in English and local languages to ensure full accessibility and inclusion.
Betway expressed pride in backing an initiative with tangible social impact.
“This is opportunity to support something with real impact. We are proud to be part of a campaign that gives everyday Nigerians confidence and skills to act…” the statement read.
Lagos State gaming noted the agency’s commitment to social investment.
“We believe in initiatives that uplift and protect our people.
‘‘Supporting Ojuse Foundation’s safety mission aligns with our values,” it said.
The Red Cross, which is leading the technical implementation, noted its long-term vision.
The Lagos State Government has raised the alarm over widespread contamination of borehole water in the Lekki area, warning that many residents may be unknowingly consuming faeces-laden water.
At a stakeholders’ meeting, Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, attributed the contamination to years of unregulated borehole drilling, shallow well depths, and poor wastewater management across the fast-developing corridor.
Adegbite cautioned that the groundwater in Lekki has been severely compromised due to its proximity to septic tanks, inadequate drainage systems, and a high water table—making many boreholes hazardous to public health.
Supporting the warning, the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission revealed that recent inspections led to the sealing of several water factories in the area for failing to meet basic sanitary and quality standards.
Laboratory tests conducted on water samples from boreholes in Lekki showed alarmingly high levels of coliform bacteria, low pH values, and other indicators of sewage infiltration.
Residents have confirmed the issue, complaining of brown, foul-smelling water that is unsafe for cooking or drinking.
Many households now rely on sachet and bottled water for consumption and tanker-supplied water for other domestic needs.
The government has urged residents to halt indiscriminate drilling of boreholes and to obtain proper permits in line with state water laws.
It stressed that drilling too close to septic systems or below recommended depths significantly raises the risk of groundwater pollution.
A businessman, Ajah Johnson Uchenna and his wife, Rosemary Uchenna, were on Monday, 4th August 2025, sentenced to a total of 22 and a half years imprisonment by Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court 8 in Lagos for dealing in illicit drugs.
Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Babafemi said the couple was first arrested on Friday, 13th June, by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) in the Ojo area of the state and transferred to NDLEA along with 277.5kg skunk, a strain of cannabis.
According to the statement, while they were still being investigated in custody, credible intelligence revealed that the family business was going on in their house.
This, Babafemi said, led to a raid of their home and a packing store where 231kg of the same substance was recovered by NDLEA operatives on Tuesday, 1st July.
The NDLEA Spokesman said they were subsequently arraigned in charge number FHC/L/632C/2025 at the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, dealing and storage of 414.2 kilograms of cannabis sativa.
Babafemi said delivering his judgement on the case on Monday 4th August, Justice Dipeolu convicted Mrs.Rosemary Uchenna on counts 1, 2, and 3 and sentenced her to 17 years in prison without an option of fine, while her husband Johnson Ajah Uchenna was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment without option of fine on count 1 and six months in jail on count 4 with an option of N1 million fine.
The statement reads, “In addition to the jail terms, the trial judge also ordered the sum of Three Million, Four Hundred and Seven Thousand Naira (₦3, 407,000.00) only recovered from the couple as proceeds of crime be forfeited to the Federal Government.”
Babafemi said similarly, a Federal High Court in Kano presided by Justice Simon Amobeda has convicted and sentenced a 42-year-old Indian lady, Neetu Neetu, to five years imprisonment for importing 72 parcels of heroin factory sealed in wafer wraps and packaged as chocolates, weighing 11 kilograms into Nigeria through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano.
He said the class A drug consignment was recovered from Neetu’s luggage after a thorough search, following processed credible intelligence, during an inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR1431 from Bangkok, Thailand, via Vietnam and Doha at the arrival hall of the Kano airport on Friday, 14th March 2025.
She was subsequently arraigned in charge number FHC/KN/CR/65/2025 before Justice Amobeda, who eventually sentenced her to 10 years on two counts, with an option of a N2 Million fine, the statement indicated.
It reads, “In like manner, a 42-year-old Angolan businessman, Mbala Dajou Abuba, was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison by Justice Mohammed Yunusa of a Federal High Court in Kano following his arrest and arraignment by NDLEA for ingesting 120 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.829 kilograms.
“Abuba, who is from the Zaire province in Angola, was arrested on Tuesday, 25th February 2025, at the screening point of the Kano airport while trying to board Egypt Air flight MS 880 to Istanbul, Turkey via Cairo.
“Equally, a Federal High Court in Enugu has convicted another drug trafficker, Eze Christian Ikenna, on two counts of unlawful trafficking and possession of 11.20 kilograms of cocaine, brought against him by the NDLEA in charge number FHC/EN/CS/9/2023.
“He was arrested on January 20, 2023, by NDLEA operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, upon arrival from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with 11.20 kilograms of cocaine concealed in herbal tea sachets.
“He was subsequently arraigned before Justice M. G. Umar of the Federal High Court, Enugu, who eventually sentenced him to three years imprisonment on each count, totalling six years, while the sentence will run concurrently, effective from May 20, 2023.”
Babafemi said in yet another high-impact breakthrough in its ongoing war against illicit drug trafficking across Nigeria, the NDLEA has secured the final forfeiture of a multi-billion Naira 80-room Hotel and Lounge in Victoria Island, Lagos, linked to an illicit drug trafficking cartel, along with other assets.
He said the 80-room hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, used as a cover for distributing illicit substances, was raided between Friday, 25th and Saturday, 26th April 2025, by NDLEA operatives who, after hours of combing the rooms, recovered 589 bags of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis.
The drugs, he said, had a total weight of 417.3 kilograms worth One Billion Forty-Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,042,500,000) only in street value.
“Forfeited along with the landed property situated at No. 16 Waziri Ibrahim Street off Elsie Femi Pearse Road, Victoria Island, Lagos, include: Toyota Sienna Vehicle marked KJA 79 HJ;
Volkswagen Delivery Van numbered AAA 525 JE; KIA Ceranto Car with plate number BDG 860 GQ; Black Colour Land Cruiser Prado with plate number AKD 472 DZ; Red Colour Grand Caravan Dodge with plate number APP 847 YF; White Colour Mazda Bus marked KTU 241 AAA; Mercedes Benz Truck with registration number ASB 500 XY; Gold Colour Toyota Corolla Car with registration number EKY 295 JT; Ash Colour Sienna Mini Bus; 84 Television Sets; 70 Air New Conditioners; and 13 New Fridges.
“The final forfeiture orders were issued on Friday, 18th July 2025, by Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala following the motion number FHC/L/MISC/447/2025 filed by NDLEA,” Babafemi said.
Reacting to the conviction and forfeiture court judgements, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the various commands of the Agency, their officers and men that handled the various cases, as well as the judiciary for delivering prompt judgements to strengthen the deterrent effect of NDLEA efforts.
“Nothing serves the cause of justice more than when the criminal elements are given long jail terms and made to forfeit all they have acquired through the proceeds of their illicit drug trade, and we’re happy with this kind of judicial pronouncements, which will not only encourage our men to do more but will have long lasting impact on our drug control efforts”, Marwa stated.
The Lagos State Government has sealed off Vaniti Club House, located on Adeola Odeku Street in Victoria Island, over persistent traffic infractions, including illegal parking and obstruction of public highways.
The enforcement operation was conducted by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and led by the agency’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, alongside officials from the Rescue and Compliance Unit.
According to LASTMA, the action followed numerous warnings and failed engagements with the club’s management. The club had allegedly become a hotspot for illegal roadside parking that severely disrupted traffic flow and posed safety risks to road users in the busy commercial district.
“The Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law strictly prohibits obstruction of public roads and any activity that compromises commuter safety,” Bakare-Oki stated. “Despite repeated sensitisation and official notices, the club management remained uncooperative. This sealing was necessary to uphold public safety.”
Authorities described the club’s actions as a “deliberate and sustained violation” of the state’s traffic regulations.
Bakare-Oki further disclosed that the clampdown on Vaniti Club House is part of a broader enforcement campaign targeting hospitality and recreational facilities misusing public road space.
“This is just the beginning. We will intensify monitoring and enforcement across other clubs, lounges, event centres, and recreational venues in Lagos State,” he warned.
In a statement released by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, the agency said the club will remain sealed until it shows “total and verifiable compliance” with all traffic laws.
