Author: Friday Omosola

Nigeria’s total public debt surged to N149.39 trillion by the end of March 2025, according to the latest figures released by the Debt Management Office (DMO). This represents a substantial increase of N27.72 trillion, or 22.8%, compared to the N121.67 trillion recorded in the first quarter of 2024. Quarter-on-quarter, the nation’s debt grew by N4.72 trillion, or 3.3%, from N144.67 trillion at the close of December 2024. READ ALSO: Obi: I’ll govern for just one term if Nigerians elect me in 2027 This sustained upward trend in Nigeria’s debt portfolio is attributed to a combination of new borrowing activities and the…

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party, has set July 24, 2025, as the date for its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, a crucial gathering intended to nominate a new substantive National Chairman. This decision was made public by the National Working Committee (NWC), led by Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter, following an emergency session held at the party’s national secretariat on Monday. READ ALSO: Dalori takes over as APC acting chair, pledges transparency Mr Fuanter confirmed that the upcoming NEC meeting will provide the platform for the party to formally select a new leader. He also noted that the…

Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party (LP) banner, has indicated his willingness to serve only one term as president if elected in 2027. This declaration comes amidst reports of a potential coalition forming, including Mr Obi, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, ex-transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu for federal power. During a Twitter Space discussion yesterday, Mr Obi articulated that any Southern candidate who assumes the presidency in 2027 must be prepared to vacate office by May 28,…

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has underscored the critical need for robust collaboration between the government and professionals in the built environment, particularly architects, to ensure the state’s infrastructure and urban planning meet standards of sustainability and innovation. Speaking at the 6th Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Mr Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted architecture’s fundamental role in shaping the spaces where people live, work, and thrive. “As Lagos State grows as a megacity and economic hub, fostering collaborations with professionals like you ensures…

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has declared over the weekend that his administration’s focus on widespread developmental projects, particularly in neglected rural areas. He said this will be instrumental in delivering the 2.5 million votes he has pledged to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election. Speaking at a South-South Stakeholders forum of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) in Benin City, Mr Okpebholo emphasised his strategy of extending infrastructure development to communities largely overlooked by the previous government. He cited ongoing road construction in the eight communities comprising the hometown of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, a move he…

The Presidency has moved to address what it termed ‘misguided, mischievous, and uninformed comments’ regarding President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia. In a statement on Sunday,  Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, clarified the multifaceted objectives of the historic trip. According to him, Saint Lucia views Mr Tinubu’s visit as a crucial step towards rekindling ancestral bonds and ushering in a new era of diplomatic, cultural, and economic collaboration between the two nations. READ ALSO: Obi has shallow understanding of governance – Presidency Mr Onanuga highlighted that Saint Lucia, like many Caribbean countries,…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant breakthroughs in its fight against illicit drug trafficking, leading to the arrest of a former international football player, a businessman, and three other individuals. They were arrested in connection with the seizure of 22.6 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu. Among those apprehended is Segun George Hunkarin, an ex-international footballer, arrested alongside his business associate Ntoruka Emmanuel Chinedu. READ ALSO: NDLEA seizes cannabis hidden as tea, arrests suspects nationwide Chinedu, a frequent traveler known…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Nigeria’s 36 state governors, demanding transparency and accountability in the expenditure of ‘security votes.’ The civil society organisation has submitted Freedom of Information (FoI) requests, urging governors to publicly account for all security funds spent by their states since May 29, 2023. In FoI requests dated June 28, 2025, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation also pressed the governors to immediately invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for a joint…

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, operating under the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, is preparing to host the second edition of the Lagos International Fire Safety Conference (LIFSC 2.0). The three-day event, scheduled from August 12 to 14 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, is expected to draw over 2,000 participants. Under the theme ‘Leveraging Technology and Community Engagement to Prevent Fires’, the conference will bring together a diverse group of attendees, including industry leaders, policymakers, emergency service personnel, market representatives, and community figures. READ ALSO: Lagos govt responds to Obi over brother’s…

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s trip to Saint Lucia, a Caribbean island nation. He described it as an inappropriate ‘holidaying’ amidst Nigeria’s severe socio-economic and security challenges. In a statement issued on his X page on Saturday, Mr Obi expressed his bewilderment at the Presidency’s announcement that Mr Tinubu would depart Abuja on Saturday for official engagements and personal leisure in Saint Lucia and subsequently Brazil. READ ALSO: Obi decries rising lawlessness after brother’s property demolished in Lagos This confirmation, he noted, followed earlier reports from Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip…