Author: Gbenga Oluranti OLALEYE

The Federal Government has assured that the construction of the first 47 kilometers of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be completed by May 2025. This announcement was made by the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, during a recent inspection of a previously evacuated section of the road that had been restored from a dumping ground. Sen. Umahi expressed confidence in the construction company, Hitech, highlighting their capability to lay down one kilometer of concrete pavement each day. He stated, “I am very happy with the work, and people have been asking me about the timeline for this 47-kilometer stretch.…

The Nigerian Senate has officially called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate the immediate dredging of Rivers Niger and Benue. This action is part of a broader strategy to prevent future flooding and mitigate its devastating impacts on communities along the riverbanks. During a recent session, senators emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging that the dredging be included in the 2025 budget to ensure prompt execution. The move is aimed at enhancing water flow, reducing the risk of overflow, and improving overall management of the rivers, which have historically been prone to flooding during the rainy season. Senators expressed…

The Federal Government has officially approved Dangote Refinery as the exclusive supplier of jet fuel for Nigeria’s airline operators. This landmark decision is expected to streamline fuel supply and enhance operational efficiency for airlines across the country. In a statement released today, government officials highlighted the strategic significance of this approval, which aims to ensure a consistent and reliable source of jet fuel for Nigeria’s aviation sector. By centralizing the supply through Dangote Refinery, the government seeks to stabilize fuel prices and reduce disruptions caused by supply chain challenges. Industry experts believe that this move could lead to more competitive…

The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to hear a significant lawsuit filed by 16 state governors challenging the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Establishment Act. The hearing is scheduled for October 22. The lawsuit, which originated from the Kogi State Government through its Attorney General, argues that the EFCC Act, along with two other legislative frameworks, was enacted without the requisite constitutional approval from a majority of the state Houses of Assembly. A seven-member panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, has agreed to hear the case after allowing the states to join as…

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern warning to store owners and shopping plaza operators that any establishment remaining closed on Mondays due to the sit-at-home directive from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) will face immediate sealing. In a recent statement, Governor Soludo emphasized the need for businesses to resume normal operations and contribute to the state’s economic recovery. “We cannot allow the sit-at-home order to disrupt our economy any longer,” he said. “Shops and plazas must be open on Mondays. Failure to comply will result in sealing off those establishments.” The sit-at-home directive, which was…

The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has announced a substantial allocation of N20 billion for the urgent reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by recent floods. This decisive action aims to address the significant impact of the flooding on communities across the state, which has left many in need of immediate assistance. In a statement, Governor Zulum emphasized the importance of restoring essential services and facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. “Our priority is to rebuild what has been lost and to ensure that our communities can recover and thrive again,” he said. The funding will be directed…

Nigeria is expending more than N1 billion every month on electricity to power its airports, according to Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. This revelation underscores the significant financial burden associated with maintaining airport operations in the country, where consistent power supply remains a persistent challenge. During a recent press briefing, Keyamo highlighted the critical need for improved energy solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in the aviation sector. “The amount we spend on electricity for our airports is staggering and unsustainable,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms in energy supply and infrastructure. The high electricity costs are attributed…

The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners has commended the House of Representatives for calling for the review of the price list for medicine and Medicare under the National Health Insurance Scheme. The association said the decision by the lower house is encouraging and will be beneficial to Nigerians if the drug pricing is reviewed. The House of Representatives had last Thursday urged its relevant committees to interface with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Authority to carry out a comprehensive review of the price list for medicine and Medicare under the health insurance scheme. The…

The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has announced plans to sanction Starlink, the satellite internet provider, for raising subscription prices in Nigeria without the necessary approval. This development has sparked concerns among consumers and industry stakeholders about regulatory compliance in the telecommunications sector. The NCC’s intervention comes after numerous complaints from subscribers who noticed an unexpected increase in their monthly fees. The commission has emphasized that service providers are required to seek approval for any pricing changes to ensure transparency and protect consumers from arbitrary hikes. In a statement, an NCC spokesperson reiterated the commission’s commitment to maintaining fair practices within…

Lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has declared his commitment to securing the release of popular musician Speed Darlington, emphasizing the importance of standing against oppression in all its forms. Adeyanju, known for his outspoken views on social justice, made headlines with his recent statement: “You can’t be singing against oppression and still be an oppressor.” The comment comes as Speed Darlington faces legal troubles that have raised questions about the treatment of artists within Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Adeyanju, who has been a vocal advocate for individual rights, stated that he is now actively involved in the case and will do…