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Federal Executive Council Clears N2.078 Trillion For Road Projects In 10 States

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Federal Executive Council Clears N2.078 Trillion For Road Projects In 10 States

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved approximately N2.078 trillion for road infrastructure in 10 states as part of the Federal Government’s drive to expand and modernise Nigeria’s transport network.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved 23 major road projects across Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Oyo and Plateau states, Minister of Works, David Umahi, told State House Correspondents yesterday.
He said the programme targets construction and rehabilitation of strategic corridors to boost connectivity, ease movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activity.

FEC also ratified a presidential approval to augment by N15 billion, a road contract awarded in 2022 in Gashua, Yobe State, due to higher costs of construction materials, Umahi said. The council also approved N15.246 billion for Phase II of the Yola–Fufore–Gurin Road after the completion of Phase I.

Umahi said the FEC approved the full business case for its operation and maintenance under a modified Swiss challenge procurement, on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The ministry was directed by President Bola Tinubu to proceed with the procurement for the reconstruction of the deteriorating portions using the concrete pavement technology to improve safety and increase the longevity of the roads.

The council also approved the reconstruction of about 400.9 kilometres of federal roads under a tax credit scheme to be executed by the Dangote Group at a cost of N1.8325 trillion. This package supersedes an earlier contract in 2022, and is expected to fast-track delivery of vital road infrastructure.

Umahi added that the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, valued at N137 billion was completed while the remaining 164 kilometres were due for completion in November.

In a separate development, the Federal Government approved N34.398 billion for the construction of an airstrip in Gboko, Benue State.

The contract was awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo said. The facility would support agricultural operations, bolster security and support humanitarian and emergency medical services in the region, he said.

The Council also approved maritime infrastructure and safety projects to the tune of about N286 billion to modernise port operations, enhance maritime safety and protect Nigeria’s marine environment.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, who represented the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, said the council approved four strategic initiatives to enhance port efficiency, navigational safety and environmental protection in coastal and inland waterways.

The FEC approved the procurement of two pollution-control vessels at a cost of about N59.05 billion to tackle plastic pollution and other marine waste in Nigerian waters, creeks and inland channels, and to enhance navigational safety, he said.

The council also approved the purchase of six pilot cutter boats for N80.03 billion. The vessels will bring marine pilots to and from ships, aid navigation through port channels and help with coordination with the Nigerian Ports Authority.

The FEC also approved two firefighting boats valued at about N34.06 billion (about US$16 million) to improve emergency response to fires on vessels, oil terminals, jetties and other port facilities.

The council approved N112.85 billion for capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel under a public-private partnership between the Nigerian Ports Authority and private sector operators, Lawal added. The dredging is aimed at enhancing access to the channel, removing obstacles, enhancing pollution surveillance, maintaining navigational aids and enhancing overall maritime safety and efficiency.

The minister said the four approvals were a strategic investment in Nigeria’s blue economy to improve navigational safety, enhance port performance, protect the marine ecosystem and create economic opportunities.

‘Late Mr Ibu Did Not Handle Things Well’ — Rita Edochie Speaks On Family Crisis

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‘Late Mr Ibu Did Not Handle Things Well’ — Rita Edochie Speaks On Family Crisis

Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, has claimed that the ongoing property tussle between the family of late Nollywood actor, Mr Ibu, demonstrates the great harm polygamy does to families.

It was reported that Mr Ibu’s widow, Stella Maris, and his other children fathered out of wedlock, have been in the news over the sale of the late actor’s properties.

Reacting to the development, Rita Edochie in a post via Instagram argued that these complex family dynamics prove that polygamy causes more harm than good.

The actor said that no matter how people sugar coat polygamy or paint it as a cultural success story it does not change the fact that it jeopardised the peace, unity and harmony of countless families.

She wrote, “I do not wish to be numbered… This is the main reason polygamy has done more harm than good not only in Nigeria but in Africa as a whole. We have to call things as they are. Old Mr Ibu did not do well at all!!!! No matter how we try to sweeten polygamy or make it a success story of culture, it still does not change the fact that it has been one of the biggest mistakes of marriage that has undermined the peace, unity and harmony of innumerable families.

“Every single day, i keep seeing more reasons to hate and loathe polygamy. I would never want it for my worst enemy. Time after time, life continues to offer new proof that peace is always under threat where polygamy exists, while division is waiting patiently for its chance.

For generations, polygamy has been defended, but the painful outcome keep repeating themselves, rivalry, jealousy, unhealthy competition, bitterness, divided loyalties, inheritance dispute and prolonged family conflicts have become family stories in polygamous homes. And the pain comes when the proud polygamist is gone on the other side. Unfortunately.

“The situation now playing out in Mr Ibu’s family has become yet another painful reminder of how difficult such family structure can become. The public fights between family members over properties and other issues are heartbreaking to watch. Each family is unique but this is a serious warning to those who are currently in polygamous homes or are going to build one tomorrow.”

INEC Grants APC, PDP, ADC, NDC And Others Access To Upload 2027 Candidates

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INEC Grants APC, PDP, ADC, NDC And Others Access To Upload 2027 Candidates

Nine registered political parties have been given login codes by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) so they can enter their candidates’ names for the general elections in 2027.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) are reportedly among the parties.

With the exception of Kogi and Osun states, where governorship elections are held off-cycle, the candidates are anticipated to run for president, governor, Senate, and House of Representatives.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior INEC official rejected claims that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) had been refused access to the commission’s candidate nomination system.

“To suggest that the NDC was denied access code to upload its candidates to the INEC portal is misinformation,” the official told Leadership.

“The commission has absolutely no justification for refusing access to the platform to any registered political party. I can vouch for the fact that the NDC was one of the parties given login codes to upload their candidates’ names.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, which is presently embroiled in court processes over attempts to deregister the party, made statements that prompted the explanation.

Osa Director, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, reportedly claimed that when party officials contacted INEC to request the access code, they were told the commission will contact them.

In order to upload the names of our candidates to the INEC portal, we contacted INEC to obtain the access code. He was cited as saying, “They told us that they would get back to us,” and that the party shouldn’t be held accountable for any delays in posting candidates.

The INEC official insisted that all legitimate political parties had been treated equally and openly by the commission.

According to the source, further political parties were anticipated to receive their access credentials prior to the end of business, increasing the total number of parties authorized access to approximately thirteen.

The official advised Nigerians to ignore rumors that certain political parties will not be allowed to use the candidate nomination platform, emphasizing that the commission is still dedicated to giving all candidates in the 2027 general elections equal opportunities.

NAF Reveals How Air Surveillance Aided Rescue Of Borno Abducted Students

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NAF Reveals How Air Surveillance Aided Rescue Of Borno Abducted Students

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has said the successful rescue of the abducted students and teachers of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State was achieved through effective air dominance and intelligence-driven military operations.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

The students were abducted by suspected terrorists on Monday when they attacked the school while candidates were sitting for the Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE, conducted by the National Examination Council, NECO.

The Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, according to the statement, commended the quick deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, ISR, assets as well as timely air support, which disrupted the movement of the attackers and enabled ground troops to engage them.

Aneke said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led joint military operations in protecting civilians and maintaining pressure on terrorist groups.

He praised also the personnel of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and ground troops for their roles in the rescue operation.

The Air Chief said that the accounts of the rescued victims also underscored the significance of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations, especially when integrated with ground forces.

He also paid tribute to a soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force who died during the rescue mission.

Paul Namaske, the school’s Vice Principal, said the arrival of military aircraft caused the terrorists to scatter, allowing the abducted students and teachers to flee as troops moved toward the attackers’ position.

As part of its ongoing efforts to restore security in the North-East, the military has continued its operations against the terrorist groups.

Tinubu Cannot Personally Battle Terrorists In Uniform – Report

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Tinubu Cannot Personally Battle Terrorists In Uniform – Report

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and senior cleric, has defended President Bola Tinubu against mounting condemnation over the deepening insecurity across the country.

Speaking on the concerns over the increasing wave of terrorism, kidnappings and violent attacks across the country at the US-Nigeria faith heroes award gala organized by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C. on June 23, Adeboye said Tinubu should only give instructions on how to deal with insecurity in Nigeria and cannot be blamed for failing to personally confront terrorists on the battlefield.
“Let me be clear on this: I’m not on the side of those who are saying the president is not doing enough. When the commander-in-chief has given instructions to his subordinates he has done his part. “You don’t expect him to go and put on khaki and (fight)” he said.

Adeboye, in comparing with the United States, said President Donald Trump was an example of how the commander-in-chief takes military decisions without personally engaging in combat.

“When my friend Trump tells you to go bomb anywhere, he doesn’t leave the White House.

“He did his thing. “‘I order, bomb Iran,’ and then he goes to his bedroom and sleeps. The rest is up to the supporters.

The cleric, while defending Tinubu, admitted that Nigeria’s security crisis had worsened considerably, revealing that terrorist activities had spread from northern Nigeria to the southern part of the country including areas close to him.

“Things have gone far, far worse than before the bomb came,” he said, referring to the United States bombing of Islamist terrorists last December.

Much, much worse… so bad that they say, ‘Where is your God?’ That’s how bad it is.
“The terrorism, kidnapping and all that which was in the north is now at my doorstep. They’ve come all the way down to the south. And, of course, the sponsors, they are all known, and still walking about free.”

Adeboye said he personally called President Tinubu and wife, Senator Oluremi, an RCCG pastor, to discuss Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.

He said he had pressed the president to give a stern ultimatum to military commanders across the armed forces.

I told them to tell all the military people: ‘You’ve got 90 days. Get rid of this rubbish or leave.’ And then deal with the supporters, the sponsors.”

Adeboye said the real brains behind terrorism were not the gunmen that carried out the attacks but the influential people who financed and armed them.

“You know them,” he said, referring to a previous public appeal to the presidency.

Some of them are businessmen. Some of them are politicians. Go get them. Because if you do not go after those that are supplying these people with arms and ammunition and most of the time they go about they go about on motorcycles, if we do not go after the sponsors the problem will continue.”

Adeboye also appealed to the United States and other members of the international community to increase collaboration with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

Fighting insurgency, he said, was not about fighting the fighters but going after those bankrolling violent groups.

Report Warns: Nigeria’s Growing Reserves Still Face Pressure From UAE Loan Obligations

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Report Warns: Nigeria’s Growing Reserves Still Face Pressure From UAE Loan Obligations

Nigeria’s recent $1.5 billion funding deal with a United Arab Emirates bank might have provided some short-term relief for foreign exchange pressures but the deal presents potential repayment risks if market conditions deteriorate, MoneyAfrica said in its investment research weekly market report on Monday.

The deal is structured as a Total Return Swap (TRS), allowing Nigeria to use naira-denominated government bonds as collateral to access dollar liquidity without issuing costly Eurobonds.

It has also helped to shore up reserves, provide foreign exchange support, and possibly refinance more expensive obligations.
But the likes of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Fitch have warned that TRS structures can be hard to evaluate as the terms of such deals are often opaque.

Such transactions are risky because they are often opaque, Christian Ebeke, the IMF’s mission chief for Nigeria, told reporters. “It is more difficult to assess their full impact.”

“We think there are risks in dealing in these types of structures. “Usually they are opaque, so the terms are not always very transparent when we review these instruments across countries,” said Ebeke.

MoneyAfrica echoed this sentiment, warning that there are still concerns on the structure’s risks, especially as it relates to the value of the bonds pledged and the movements in the naira exchange rate that may affect Nigeria’s future obligations.

The naira depreciated against the U.S. dollar in both segments of the foreign exchange market last week. In the official market, the currency fell by 0.76 per cent to settle at N1,380.93/$1, while the parallel market fared worse, depreciating by 1.08 per cent to settle at N1,388/$1.

In spite of the weaker performance of the naira, the country’s external reserves increased by 0.37 per cent week-on-week (w/w) to $51.25 billion, providing some support to the country’s external liquidity position.

MoneyAfrica also said that while the increase in reserves provides a buffer, it does not mitigate the risks associated with the UAE-backed financing deal.

The firm said Nigeria got the dollars it needed but that the UAE has Nigerian assets worth more than the loan itself.

The deal, it said, provides short-term relief at the expense of long-term transparency and the consequences of a turn in the market could be swift.

“The effect is positive for now as reserves received a boost and the government dodged expensive Eurobond rates. But the danger is real. Nigeria could be forced to provide additional collateral or repay the loan immediately if the naira weakens significantly or the value of the pledged bonds falls. It said.

President Bola Tinubu, since taking over in 2023, has been relying on both local and foreign markets to plug budget deficits, with total loan requests now estimated at above $30 billion besides over N1 trillion in local borrowing plans.

Also, debt obligations has jumped to N16.26 trillion in 2025 from N7.79 trillion in 2023. Debt service costs have been high on a quarterly basis since Q3 2023 and the current administration’s time in office, hitting a record N4.86 trillion in Q4 2025, according to data from the Debt Management Office (DMO).

Debt service on a quarterly basis peaked at Q4 2025 with an upward trend of N4.86 trillion. This represents a 37.86 per cent increase from N3.52 trillion in Q3 2025 and a 49.93 per cent increase from N3.24 trillion in Q4 2024, demonstrating a steady rise in debt payments.

North-West Food Bank Initiative Begins As First Lady Calls For State Support

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North-West Food Bank Initiative Begins As First Lady Calls For State Support

The North-West National Community Food Bank was established in Hadejia, Jigawa State, by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON. She has called on state governments around the region to actively support the program as it is implemented countrywide.

The National Community Food Bank Programme is a purposeful and long-term solution to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households nationwide, according to the First Lady’s remarks during the inauguration.

According to her, the program’s goal is to guarantee that pregnant women, breastfeeding moms, and vulnerable children under the age of six have access to wholesome food.

She claims that the program is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, GCFR, especially in terms of enhancing food security, enhancing healthcare results, and creating a more powerful and prosperous Nigeria.

Tinubu clarified that the Office of the First Lady, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the Bank of Agriculture have formed a strategic partnership to carry out the initiative.

She noted that the program was initially introduced in Abuja on April 2, 2026, along with its Board of Trustees.
The First Lady also praised the Federal and Jigawa State governments for their investments in healthcare and education, citing the initiatives launched during her visit as proof of their dedication to enhancing the well-being of their constituents.
She expressed hope that the installation of a new dialysis machine at the Hadejia Dialysis Center will offer patients and their families much-needed relief, pointing out that the communities in and surrounding Hadejia have long struggled with an increasing burden of chronic kidney disease.

Additionally, Tinubu emphasized the importance of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Academy, stating that it demonstrates President Tinubu’s dedication to the advancement of human capital and academic quality.
“We are ensuring a better tomorrow for our children by investing in their education today,” she declared.

In order to guarantee the Community Food Bank Program’s success, she urged people, organizations, institutions, and development partners throughout the North-West geopolitical zone to actively support and take part in it.

The National Community Food Bank Program, according to Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, is a timely intervention that upholds the constitutional rights of the government.

duty to protect citizens’ wellbeing by enhancing their access to sufficient food.

According to him, the program enhances the state’s current initiatives to fight hunger, bolster social protection, and enhance the welfare of families at risk.

The governor claims that Jigawa’s State Food and Nutrition Policy and State Social Protection Policy, which offer targeted nutrition support for mothers, children, and disadvantaged households, have already created a robust policy framework.

Namadi went on to say that by providing wholesome food directly to people who are most in need via a coordinated, community-based approach, the Community Food Bank Programme would further enhance these initiatives.

Umeh Claims PMP Is Being Used To Frustrate NDC’s 2027 Election Plans

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Umeh Claims PMP Is Being Used To Frustrate NDC’s 2027 Election Plans

The lawmaker representing the Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh, has said that the Peace Movement Party, PMP, was being used to prevent the participation of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in the 2027 general elections.

Umeh made the allegation on Monday when he was a guest on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ interview.

The victory-sign logo is a global symbol and does not belong to the PMP, he said.

“PMP is preventing NDC from participating in the 2027 Elelection.

“When Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and some of us joined the NDC on May 3, the following day, May 4, an application was filed to set aside the registration of the party, even though the NDC had been registered for about five months.

“The logo does not belong to the PMP as it is not a registered political party. In the registration of a party, a symbol ceases to be a symbol of a party and becomes exclusive to that party once registered with INEC.

“After that, it is legally the property of the registered party and no other political party can use it,” he said.

Recall that a Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, had set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to register the NDC as a political party.

Political Tension In Ondo APC As Members Demand Review Of Candidates List

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Political Tension In Ondo APC As Members Demand Review Of Candidates List

The crisis rocking the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), took a fresh turn on Tuesday, as aggrieved party members staged a protest in Akure, the state capital.

Carrying placards with various inscriptions, protesters took to major roads and marched through the state capital to register their grievances, it was reported.

The protest follows the reversal of the results of some Senate and House of Representatives primaries across constituencies in Ondo State by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, which deprived eight candidates of their tickets to accommodate new nominees.

Reports were also received from the Primary Election Appeal Committees of the NWC and a fresh list of candidates approved in accordance with the Electoral Act and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

But the loyalists of the affected aspirants rejected the adjustments and called for the release of the actual results of the direct primary elections conducted across the state.

Some of the placards read: “Ondo State Is on Fire,” “Ondo State Says No to Abuja Result,” “No to Corner-Corner Appeal,” “We No Go Gree,” and “Let Our Votes Count.”

The Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Seun Osamaye, speaking on behalf of the protesters, said the list being circulated was fake and did not reflect the outcome of the direct primaries conducted in the 203 wards of the state.

“We, the women of Ondo State who are members of the APC, have come out to express our displeasure with the fake list being circulated. “We believe it is fake because it does not represent the mandate of the people.

“The party members knew the names of those who came out of the direct primaries and wondered why the names on the revised list were different from those voted for during the exercise,” said Osamaye.

She appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, saying she was confident he would do so, in accordance with his promise to uphold fairness, justice and democratic principles.

Also speaking, a youth leader in the party, Bright Ojo, called the revised list a “democratic coup” against APC members in Ondo State.

“This is a protest against a democratic coup in Ondo State. “During the direct primary, the people voted en mass and the results reflected the will and mandate of the people from the field,” he said.

Ojo claimed that the amended list included the names of aspirants who failed the primaries and challenged the role of the party’s national leadership in the changes.

Take The Battle To Their Camps – Ndume Reacts To Borno Kidnap Incident

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Take The Battle To Their Camps – Ndume Reacts To Borno Kidnap Incident

The lawmaker representing Borno South senatorial district, Ali Ndume, has urged the Federal Government to do more to convince Nigerians that it can manage the country’s security situation.

He made the appeal following Monday’s abduction of students sitting for the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations in the Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State by terrorists.

It was learnt that the terrorists, who stormed the school, disguised themselves as members of the military and the newly created Forest Guard security outfit, and shot sporadically before abducting about 42 students and women selling food items within the school premises.

Reacting to the development, Ndume in a statement, however, called on the federal government to be proactive in its crusade against insurgency and banditry.

He said the federal government, working with the sub-nationals, must do more to convince Nigerians that they were up and doing concerning security emergencies.

“This new kidnapping is disturbing at a time when we do not know the fate of children of Mussa, kidnapped last month,” he said.

“I call on the security forces to intensify efforts for the safe return of the 42 students of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, those kidnapped in Ngoshe, those kidnapped along Buratai-Biu Road and those kidnapped today.

“The way to disabuse the minds of Nigerians that the terrorists are overwhelming the government and security personnel is to take the battle to their hideouts and assure Nigerians that they can conveniently sleep with their two eyes closed.

Ndume commended the efforts of the security agencies on the ground, who pursued and secured the release of some of the victims, for their prompt intervention in confronting the bandits. He urged more synergy among all security agencies to nip further attacks in the bud.

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