Television Nigerian

On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the newly appointed Service Chiefs showed up at the National Assembly complex so the Senate could screen them.

Senior military officers were reportedly with the new service chiefs as they arrived at the National Assembly grounds at around ten in the morning.

On Tuesday, the Senate changed its original plan to hold the exercise next week and rescheduled the screening for Wednesday, October 29.

The screening came after Senate President Godswill Akpabio delivered a letter from President Bola Tinubu in plenary.

In order to maintain continuity in the country’s security coordination, Tinubu encouraged lawmakers to give the confirmation process prompt consideration in the letter.

According to Akpabio, the date change was required to enable the new military chiefs to take up their responsibilities right away.

The newly appointed Service Chiefs appeared at the National Assembly complex on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in order to be screened by the Senate.

The new service chiefs reportedly arrived at the National Assembly grounds at around 10 in the morning accompanied by senior military officers.

The Senate postponed the screening for Wednesday, October 29, on Tuesday, abandoning its initial plan to undertake the exercise next week.

Following the delivery of a letter from President Bola Tinubu by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in plenary, the screening took place.

In the letter, Tinubu urged lawmakers to take the confirmation process seriously in order to preserve continuity in the nation’s security coordination.

According to Akpabio, the date adjustment was necessary so that the new military chiefs could begin their duties immediately.

After General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja passed away last year, General Oluyede, the new Chief of Defense Staff, was appointed Chief of Army Staff.

General Musa, who has served as CDS since June 2023 alongside Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and Air Marshal Bala Abubakar, is replaced by Oluyede.

The departing service chiefs were in charge of significant operations in the North-East and North-West against armed bandits, ISWAP, and Boko Haram.

Despite some noteworthy achievements during their tenure, calls for new leadership and a shift in tactics grew as gunman attacks persisted across the nation.

The proposed law aiming to create a Legislative Security Directorate for the National Assembly has received strong support from State Houses of Assembly and a number of important parties. Some security organizations, such as the Nigeria Police Force, have expressed disapproval of certain provisions of the proposed legislation.

During a public hearing held on Tuesday by the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security regarding the Bill titled:

A Bill for an Act to Establish and Operate the Legislative Security Directorate in the National Assembly; to Specify the Qualifications and Terms of Service for the Sergeant-at-Arms and Other Directorate Personnel; and for Related Matters, 2024 (HB 1632).

The Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, emphasized in his opening remarks the urgent need for a more robust security system in all branches of government, especially the Legislature, which sees a lot of human traffic every day from lawmakers, aides, staff, civil society organizations, members of the executive and judicial branches, and visitors.

He noted that the National Assembly has recently struggled with a number of security issues, such as theft of cars and motorcycles, damage, unauthorized access, the use of fictitious identification cards, and unlawful trading within the complex.

According to Hon. Garba, the proposed legislation seeks to “establish a structured framework that ensures the safety and smooth running of legislative affairs and align with international best practices in parliamentary security management.”

AIG Emmanuel Aina, speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, issued a warning that establishing a distinct Directorate would result in “parallel administrative functions” and jurisdictional overlaps.

“While the goal to enhance security within the National Assembly is commendable, creating a separate Directorate might disrupt the existing coordination between the security agencies already operating effectively in that environment,” he said.

While endorsing the Bill in principle, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) demanded that certain of its provisions be reviewed. The Corps noted that parliamentary security systems are frequently managed by the police or a recognized organization in nations like the United States and Canada, with the Sergeant-at-Arms playing a crucial role in security coordination.

However, the initiative received unwavering support from a number of State Assemblies.

Paul Samuel, the deputy clerk of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, called the effort “timely and essential,” stressing that it would improve security within the legislative branch and foster a clear career structure for its employees.

In a similar vein, the Bill received complete support from the Plateau State House of Assembly, represented by Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Sokowar John, and the Kano State House of Assembly, represented by Hon. Tukur Muhammed (Fagge Constituency).

The creation of the Directorate was also fully supported by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), as represented by Comrade Mohammed, National President.

The Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly underlined that only qualified and legally certified personnel will be allowed to carry firearms, addressing concerns expressed by some attendees over this matter.

“The handling of firearms is subject to proper authorization and strict training,” he clarified. To keep the National Assembly complex safe, our staff members have undergone professional security training and are still closely collaborating with various law enforcement organizations.

Hon. Philip Agbese, the House of Representatives’ deputy spokesperson, praised Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the interior minister, calling him “more than just a performing minister, but a priceless asset to the National Assembly.” He also dismissed the recent controversy surrounding his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate as “baseless political propaganda from forces opposed to progress.”

Agbese said that the accusations were a part of “a deliberate plot to distract a visionary reformer whose groundbreaking initiatives have transformed the operations of Nigeria’s public institutions” in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.

The member declared, “Dr. Tunji-Ojo has transformed the Ministry of Interior into a symbol of innovation and efficiency in less than a year.”

“He created new passport offices overseas to serve Nigerians living abroad, introduced a fully automated system that removed middlemen and corruption, and cleared a backlog of over 200,000 passports in just three weeks.” Thanks to his visionary leadership, Nigerians may now process and obtain their passports in a matter of days as opposed to months.

Agbese pointed out that Tunji-Ojo’s influence has extended beyond the Immigration Service to the ministry’s other agencies and the prison industry.

“He has brought discipline and order back to the prison system. In order to reduce traffic, more than 4,500 prisoners have been released, escapees are now tracked using biometric data systems, and jailbreak occurrences have all but vanished, he claimed.

The congressman claims that the minister’s focus on employee welfare and human capacity development has boosted morale among the paramilitary organizations.

“He has improved officers’ welfare packages, implemented digital performance tracking systems, and prioritized prompt promotions. These days, the ministry is renowned for its honesty and efficiency. It has brought in more than ₦6 billion this year alone, demonstrating that efficiency and accountability can coexist,” Agbese continued.

Agbese argued that Tunji-Ojo’s exceptional record threatened those responsible for the NYSC certificate scandal, calling it “a desperate smear campaign.”

“Those who are unable to compete with perfection are behind the certificate charge, which is pure fabrication. It’s a recurring strategy: whenever a young, goal-oriented leader starts to challenge the established quo, critics surface with made-up narratives. However, Nigerians are now wiser, he claimed.

Agbese urged the public to prioritize observable outcomes over baseless assertions.

“Performance, not rumors, should be used to evaluate governance.” Faster services, increased accountability, better transparency, and improvements in the Interior Ministry are all things that every Nigerian can attest to, he stated.

Additionally, he warned against the increasing abuse of social media to disparage public employees, stating that valid issues should be sent to the appropriate authorities.

“There are reputable institutions to address any legitimate issues. Agbese cautioned that using online mob trials merely erodes due process and destroys our democracy.

The deputy spokesperson commended Tunji-Ojo as a brilliant example of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing out that his blend of youth, skill, and patriotism had restored public trust in government agencies.

“Dr. Tunji-Ojo exemplifies a new breed of leaders who are creative, disciplined, and results-oriented. He is creating mechanisms that will endure political noise rather than chasing attention. Agbese said, “Those who propagate falsehoods will eventually disappear, but his record of excellence and reform will endure.”

On Tuesday, Nasir Kwarra, the National Population Commission’s (NPC) chairman, formally ended his five-year term by transferring the commission’s leadership to Muhammad Dattijo, the Federal Commissioner for Niger State.

According to reports, Dattijo will act as chairman while President Bola Tinubu swears in Aminu Yusuf.

Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, Directors, and commission personnel attended the short but symbolic ceremony at the NPC Headquarters in Abuja.

Kwarra thanked his coworkers and subordinates for their support while he was in office in a statement released by the commission on Wednesday.

“I am grateful to the Federal Commissioners, Management, and Staff of the NPC for their steadfast support and commitment during my five-year tenure,” he stated.

Strengthening data collection systems, digitizing the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system, and accelerating preparations for the upcoming national population and housing census were among the major achievements under Kwarra’s leadership.

He emphasized that professionalism and group dedication made the progress feasible.

During the handover ceremony, official letters were signed, Kwarra received a parting gift, and a group photo was taken to commemorate the occasion.

It is anticipated that Dattijo, in his interim capacity, will continue ongoing initiatives until the new chairman formally takes office.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Kwarra in 2020, and he oversaw the commission as Nigeria prepared for its first housing and population census in almost 20 years.

The upcoming census is an urgent national concern because the last one was carried out in 2006.

Under his direction, the NPC implemented digital mapping and enumeration area demarcation, a technological advancement intended to enhance accuracy and modernize census operations.

The government change caused the census, which was originally planned for 2023, to be delayed.

It is now anticipated that Aminu Yusuf, the new substantive chairman, will lead the commission to finish the long-overdue task, which is thought to be essential for equitable national development and evidence-based planning.

A bill to alter the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution to permit the establishment of more Local Government Areas, or LGAs, in Benue State has been submitted by the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives has approved the bill’s second reading.

Representative David Ogewu of the Oju/Obi Federal Constituency (APC) is the bill’s sponsor. It is registered as HB2527.

On Tuesday, October 28, it was put up for second reading, and after much discussion over its general principles, it was approved.

Rep. Ogewu made the motion for the bill’s second reading, arguing that by bringing the government closer to the people, the proposed modification will improve grassroots governance.

He pointed out that Benue needs more local councils for fair development and effective governance because of its large landmass and expanding population.

Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogar, who represents the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, seconded the resolution, viewing it as a step toward strengthening democracy and enhancing rural areas’ access to services.

Rep. Ogewu expressed hope that the bill will open the door for the establishment of more LGAs in Benue, especially in his area, if it were to become law.

Additionally, he recalled that near the end of his second term in 2007, Senator George Akume, who was the governor of Benue State at the time, had attempted, if unsuccessfully, to increase the number of local government areas in order to improve administrative efficiency.

For additional legislative action, the bill has now been forwarded to the House Committee on Constitutional Review.

The federal government’s $1 billion investment in Lagos ports has been justified by the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Lagos State, which characterizes it as a component of a national modernization plan.

In response to criticism from opposition parties, APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo reportedly said this in a statement on Tuesday. He clarified that the investment was intended to make Nigeria the leading marine hub in West Africa.

The opposition claimed that President Bola Tinubu was concentrating on Lagos ports while ignoring Warri, Calabar, Onne, and Port Harcourt ports, but Oladejo denied this.

He called such assertions absurd and naive.

“The opposition’s persistent lack of fundamental economics and governance is further shown by this careless assertion. Rarely are their outspoken beliefs supported by data, statistics, or even a rudimentary grasp of the trajectory of national policy. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is not ignoring any ports. China Harbour Engineering Company and Singapore’s Tolaram Group, who both saw in President Tinubu’s vision a business climate worth their billions, have invested in the Nigerian project, which is not a Lagos initiative, according to Oladejo.

He claims that modernization projects are being carried out concurrently by President Tinubu’s administration in other important ports throughout the nation.

He noted that while the Calabar Port is still undergoing dredging to make room for larger vessels, the Onne Port is undergoing digitalization and equipment upgrades.

In addition to the extension of the Warri Port corridor, which includes new rail link integration to facilitate cargo transportation inland, Oladejo stated that the Port Harcourt Port complex is being renovated under a new concessionary framework.

“The opposition, of course, wouldn’t know this—they’re too busy tweeting ignorance and recycling talking points from the political dustbin,” he stated.

Economic Foresight in Lagos Port Investment
Oladejo emphasized that rather from being interpreted as sabotage, the $1 billion investment in Lagos Port should be viewed as economic vision.

He clarified that the initiative’s goals were to increase exports, create jobs, and get rid of inefficiencies that had made Nigerian ports among of the priciest in Africa.

He cited the Lekki Deep Sea Port as an illustration of the advancements made under Tinubu’s leadership, pointing out that it is Nigeria’s first completely automated port that has already redefined port management, accelerated turnaround times, and increased government revenue.

Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, according to the APC spokesperson, is still a national initiative rather than a regional favor. He cautioned that the opposition’s attempts to incite feeling in the region were merely sabotage against the advancement of the country.

“The opposition’s attempt to use regional sentiments as a weapon against national advancement is the only sabotage occurring here. This administration has made a comprehensive, inclusive, and national commitment. Strategy is what drives governance, not emotion. Oladejo continued, “President Tinubu and the APC are still committed to creating a functional Nigeria, one port, one project, and one policy at a time.”

Dispatch riders are now an essential component of urban life in Lagos’s busy city. These riders maneuver through clogged highways with amazing agility, delivering documents, packages, and food orders to homes and offices as the city’s infamous traffic jams hinder progress and annoy everyday commuters. In a fast-paced economy where time is of the essence, their services have become the lifeblood of convenience.

The contribution of dispatch riders to Nigeria’s economy is indisputable, ranging from e-commerce deliveries to in-office dispatch services. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that between 2020 and 2023, Nigeria’s logistics and courier subsector expanded by more than 35% due to the growth of the gig economy and the increase in online purchasing. Dispatch riding serves as both a source of income and a way out of unemployment for a large number of young Nigerians.

But there is a dangerous undercurrent that could contaminate this essential function. A troubling tendency has been discovered by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA): dispatch riders are being utilized as unwary or willing couriers in drug trafficking operations.

Riders as Drug Couriers: A Growing Concern

On July 30, 2025, NDLEA agents conducted intelligence-driven stop-and-search operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Gwarimpa, Jahi, and Galadimawa. Three dispatch riders, Sabo Sule (24), Samuel Nnamdi (28), and Idris Jibrin (28), were arrested by the agency for distributing 149.8 grams of the strong cannabis strain known as “Canadian Loud.” Two days later, two further suspects carrying 91.1 kg of “skunk” cannabis were apprehended along the Abaji–Gwagwalada Expressway.

A dispatch rider named Joseph Michael was caught in Mushin with 3.3 kg of the synthetic cannabis strain “Colorado,” according to the NDLEA in Lagos. Another suspect, Ibrahim Sulaiman, was nabbed in Iwaya-Yaba with 16.5 liters of “skuchies,” a cannabis-based beverage.

According to the FBI, some of these riders either deliberately engage in drug trafficking or are tricked by criminal clients who hide illegal goods inside delivery-related packages.

The situation is “an emerging trend that calls for strict regulation and collaboration between transport authorities, courier companies, and law enforcement,” according to NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd).

Why the Danger?

Dispatch riders are especially susceptible to being infiltrated by drug traffickers and other criminal networks due to a number of characteristics.

First, the characteristics that make them an effective service Additionally, providers make them appealing tools for traffickers. They can park near destinations, deliver products quickly without attracting too much notice, and maneuver through crowded metropolitan roadways thanks to their mobility, agility, and low profile. Such mobility provides cover that traffickers can readily use to hide illegal activity in urban areas like Lagos, where speed is valued.

Second, the nation’s regulatory inadequacies have made it easy for misuse to occur. Dispatch riders operate with little regulation in many countries, which makes it simple for illegal actors to pass for authorized couriers. For example, due to ongoing non-compliance with regulations, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was forced to halt the registration of new dispatch riders in February 2024. Many of the 2,500 riders who the directorate had already cleared were discovered to be rowdy or untraceable. This highlights the industry’s more general regulatory flaws.

The informality of the business concept is another major weakness. Small-scale businesses and independent contractors operating on cash-based contracts with minimal documentation dominate Nigeria’s delivery industry. Law enforcement agencies find it challenging to detect suspicious deliveries or follow financial trails associated with drug movements in the absence of established contracts, traceable payment mechanisms, and verified customer identities. Because the activity is cash-driven and informal, traffickers can easily blend in with the official courier network.

Inadequate monitoring during activities at night also increases the risk. Due to the lack of control, many riders work late into the night or at dawn. Only recently, in September 2025, did the State Ministry of Transportation in Lagos require all riders to wear visibility tapes and reflective jackets during nighttime operations. This action unintentionally brought attention to the magnitude of previous regulatory neglect. These nocturnal deliveries frequently offer traffickers a convenient opening to move illegal substances under the pretense of legitimate business if they are not properly supervised.

Oversight and Regulatory Web Deficits

The Lagos State Ministry of Transport is in charge of traffic control and motorcycle operational safety, but it has no authority to examine or confirm the goods that courier riders are transporting.

The restrictions were acknowledged when speaking with the Ministry’s Director of Transport Operations, Engineer Olasunkanmi Ojowuro.

He said, “The movement of goods and services, including motorcycles used for courier logistics, is managed by the Lagos Ministry of Transport.” But our job is to make sure the motorcycle is in good condition, that it is safe to ride, and that the user follows all safety regulations. We are not structurally equipped to check what they are transporting.

Ojowuro admitted that NDLEA reports on dispatch riders engaged in drug trafficking are known to the ministry.

He stated, “We are collaborating with other organizations, such as the Ministry of Health and the police.” “The police are entitled to inspect a courier’s or logistics rider’s package. Our ability to check that is limited.

His remarks draw attention to a crucial regulatory void. While organizations like NIPOST’s Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department (CLRD) are in charge of regulating courier businesses, the ministry concentrates on operational compliance and vehicle safety. However, the emergence of unofficial, unregistered operators—many of whom operate independently without corporate affiliation—has created a vulnerability that criminal networks take advantage of.

Ojowuro said, “There are so many entities operating now that are illegal and not recognized by the state.” “You are operating unlicensed, and the law will catch up with you if we are unable to identify you on our proposed regulatory app.”

The Pursuit of Order and Technology

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation is creating a computerized application to monitor and control courier activities in order to bring sanity to the industry. The goal of the program, which is now in the consultative stage, is to combine operators, customers, and the government into a unified monitoring system.

According to Ojowuro, “that app will have an interface with the operator, the customer, and the government.” “The app is three-way. This enables us to track the activities of illicit operators and identify them. The project will follow a public-private partnership (PPP) model, and we are presently in the stakeholder engagement phase.

Safety regulations are also enforced by the ministry. For safety and visibility, particularly at night, all dispatch riders were required to wear luminous jackets in September. He stated, “Some have complied, some have not yet complied.” However, compliance will increase after enforcement begins. It is for the sake of safety.

Criminal Aspects in a Crucial Sector

Ojowuro quickly clarified that not every dispatch rider is involved in illegal activity. He pointed out that “criminal elements exist everywhere in the world and in all sectors.” It can be the user rather than the operator. Someone may wish to transport drugs and fail to disclose the contents of the package to the operator. A large number of riders have no idea what they are delivering.

He proposed that lobbying could lessen the possibility that riders would inadvertently carry illegal goods. They occasionally ask to see what’s inside the package before wrapping it. However, he clarified that this isn’t a typical practice, particularly among informal businesses without offices. Because there are so many actors in that industry, we must organize it as a whole. It puts food on people’s tables and creates jobs.

In fact, according to data from the Courier and Logistics Management Institute (CLMI), there are over 85,000 registered courier riders operating throughout Nigeria, with over 40% of them based in Lagos alone. However, there are more than twice as many informal riders, who operate outside of the legal system and present security and safety hazards.

“Drug traffickers are increasingly exploiting the informal dispatch system due to its anonymity and speed,” stated an NDLEA official who spoke on condition of anonymity. While some riders are totally ignorant of their involvement in illegal conduct, others are paid enormous sums to turn a blind eye.

Security experts caution that dispatch logistics could become a new front for organized crime in the absence of stricter regulations and cooperation between pertinent agencies.

Consequences for Safety and Urban Transportation

The ramifications of dispatch riders infiltrating drug-trafficking networks extend well beyond the realm of criminal justice. It directly affects public trust in one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing microeconomies and urban logistics.

When motorcyclists are linked to drug delivery, there is an instantaneous knock-on effect: people start to suspect every courier on a motorcycle. The delivery economy, which has grown to be essential to city life, especially in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, is threatened by this erosion of trust.

More concerning, there are serious security and safety issues associated with the clan-destine use of motorcycles for the transportation of illegal drugs. In addition to encouraging crime, the flow of drugs via congested streets raises the risk of violence, theft, and hazardous road chases when law enforcement pursues criminals. Many dispatch riders are at increased risk of accidents, which frequently result in fatalities, because they already have to navigate congested traffic.