Author: Our Reporters
Federal Government Begins Construction of South-South Axis of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway The Federal Government has kicked off the construction of the South-South axis of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway while also announcing a suspension on new road projects due to financial constraints. Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ engagement event held in Calabar, where plans for the proposed alignment for a section of the highway were discussed. Umahi emphasized the government’s focus on existing and legacy projects, such as the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and Calabar-South East-North Central-Apo Abuja Superhighway. Construction at the Calabar end of…
Reports indicate that over 20 travellers were abducted by gunmen on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway, with one victim being shot in the knee. The incident occurred between the Sagamu Area Command and Ilisan township, according to Wemmy Osude, Chairman of Ilisan Development Council. One victim, a resident of Ilisan Remo, is receiving medical treatment at Babcock University Teaching Hospital. Osude urged caution for those travelling the route and confirmed that the injured resident was in stable condition. Recent incidents in the area include the abduction of two individuals and the tragic murder of Professor Yinka Olomojobi of Babcock University. The police…
Former Mayor of Portlaoise, County Laois in the Republic of Ireland, Rotimi Adebari, discusses the importance of appointing new envoys for Nigeria and addressing the spate of killings of Nigerians abroad in an interview with IMOLEAYO OYEDEYI. Adebari highlights the need for diplomatic presence in foreign countries and the benefits it brings, emphasizing the role of effective foreign relations in attracting investment opportunities and fostering economic growth for Nigeria. Adebari also touches on the issue of extrajudicial killings of Nigerians abroad and the responsibility of Nigerian embassies in protecting citizens. He suggests that better communication and support from embassies, as…
A tragic suicide attack in Gwoza, Borno, has left at least six people dead and 15 others injured. The incident occurred when a female suicide bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Device at Marrarraban Gwoza motor park. Eyewitnesses described how the attack disrupted a wedding ceremony, turning a day of celebration into one of mourning. Security agencies and government officials are investigating the attack, which involved two suicide bombers targeting both the wedding venue and the subsequent funeral of the victims. Soldiers have increased their presence in Gwoza, implementing a curfew to safeguard the community from further threats. This cowardly act…
The Federal High Court in Lagos has approved the extradition of Samuel Abiodun to the United States on charges of wire fraud and money laundering, following an application by the Attorney General of the Federation. The court order was granted on June 14, 2024, after the Federal Government requested Abiodun’s surrender to face trial in the US. Despite denying the allegations through his counsel, Abiodun challenged the court’s authority to order his extradition. However, Justice Aluko ruled in favor of the AGF, citing sufficient evidence provided by the FG. Abiodun claimed innocence, stating he had never been to the US…
Ahead of the 10th National Assembly resumption of legislative proceedings on July 2, the examination of the federal legislature’s performance over the past year reveals insights into its constitutional responsibilities and legislative agenda. The 10th National Assembly, inaugurated on June 13, 2023, saw Senator Godswill Akpabio and Abbas Tajudeen emerge as the Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives, following weeks of power play. Senate President Akpabio announced the Assembly would resume proceedings on July 2 after a month-long recess for Democracy Day and end-of-session break activities. The Senate under his leadership aimed to align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision…
The rise in imported manufactured goods in Nigeria: The total value of manufactured goods imported into Nigeria reached N16 trillion between 2023 and 2024, showing a 60% increase compared to the previous year. The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics reported this significant growth in its latest Foreign Trade analysis over 12 months. The first quarter of 2024 alone saw imports valued at N12.64 billion, with China, India, and the USA as top trading partners. The most traded commodities included motor spirit, gas oil, and cane sugar for the sugar refinery market. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria attributes the import surge to…
**Title: Battling Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria: Vaccine Shortage and Preventive Measures** Cholera has resurfaced in Nigeria, claiming 40 lives so far, while the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) struggles with a shortage of vaccines. Dr. Jide Idris, the Director General of NCDC, emphasized the urgent need for vaccinations and preventive measures to stem the spread of this water-borne disease. The recent spike in cases has been alarming, with over 1,000 suspected cases and numerous fatalities reported. As the country awaits more vaccines, the NCDC is working with various agencies to contain the outbreak. The affected states, including Lagos and…
In a recent development in Rivers State, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that police officers would be stationed at the Local Government secretariats until the court reaches a decision on the local government chairmen tenure extension crisis. The clash over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen led to the tragic deaths of a police officer and a vigilante member in Port Harcourt. The local government chairmen, whose three-year terms ended, are citing the Local Government Amendment Law 2024 for a six-month extension due to the lack of local government elections. This led to Governor Siminalayi Fubara…
Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones have the potential to generate over N11.11tn according to experts, surpassing their current contribution to the Federation Account. Muda Yusuf, the Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, emphasized the need for leveraging free zones to enhance non-oil export revenue and reduce dependence on crude oil earnings. Highlighting successful examples like Dubai, Yusuf urged increased investments in Nigeria’s free trade zones to boost foreign exchange earnings. Meanwhile, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority reported significant contributions from the zones in terms of job creation and revenue generation for various agencies. The NEPZA Act of…