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Built environment professionals under the auspices of Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) Iru – Victoria Island Cell have raised the alarm over what they described as ‘imperfect’ sub-soil investigations in the coastal region of Lagos State.

The professionals pointed out that investigations have shown that substandard sub-soil test was fuelling building collapse in Lagos State, expressing worry that lack of effective regulatory monitoring of geotechnical practice in the metropolis portends future incidents in Iru – Victoria Island LCDA.

They emphasised that Iru – Victoria Island Local Council Development Area is surrounded by the Five Cowrie Creek and Atlantic Ocean, arguing that conducting comprehensive sub-soil investigations in order to determine the mechanical properties and the shear strength of the soil that could bear the loading exerted by the building foundation is inevitable.

They reiterated that ensuring the integrity of sub-soil investigations is critical to safeguarding lives, properties, and investments in the coastal region of Lagos State.

The professionals called for collaborative engagement between government agencies, professional bodies, and industry stakeholders to build capacity, enforce standards, and foster transparency in soil testing operations.

In a statement signed by the Coordinator, BCPG Iru – Victoria Island Cell, Adefemi Afolabi, an architect; General Secretary,Taiwo Ayanboade, a quantity surveyor; and Public Relations Officer, Wale Oyetayo, a civil/ geotechnical engineer, the trio said that soil test remained an important exercise for building development, especially in the coastal region, in order to prevent building collapse due to foundation failure.

‘Geotechnical sub-soil investigation report, if correctly done, enables the civil/structural engineer to determine and design the most suitable foundation type for the proposed building development,’ the group said in the statement.

However, the group said that investigations have revealed that the underlying factor of execution’s cost being at variance with contract sum/budget has paved way for most of the substandard soil tests that are being conducted around.

The group also raised doubt about the integrity of the sub-soil investigation report being attached as part of building plan approval requirements.

It said that through investigations, it has identified paucity of competent drillers,strenuous process of soil text, insufficient drilling accessories, and high drilling accessories’ cost, among others as challenges being faced in the sub-soil soil text segment.

‘On the submission of application for planning permit or building plan approval, Section 4, Sub-section 3 (V) of the revised Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority Regulations, 2019 specifies that, ‘Sub-soil investigation report in the case of structures in excess of two (2) floors and all developments in areas with low bearing capacity soil where required. ‘

‘This regulation has created exponential demand for sub-soil investigations, thereby exposing the unpreparedness and limitations of geotechnical firms. Although the challenges are being endured silently by practitioners in order to protect the business from low patronage, the need to avert future disastrous consequence of downplaying the challenges necessitates bringing into the open constraints in the geotechnical field.

‘Doubts being exhibited by piling contractors, who nowadays demand for confirmatory sub-soil investigations, making clients spend double for the same exercise, are the indication that all is not well in the geotechnical sector. There is a limit to pretentiousness,’ the statement by BCPG read.

To enhance credibility of sub- soil investigations, BCPG urged that the building plan approval system should incorporate procedures capable of verifying soil test reports and minimizing the risk of copied or falsified submissions.

It stressed the establishment of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory by law in 2006 was considered a solution to inferior geotechnical practices, but that the agency that was supposed to play the role of the disciplinarian umpire, entered into the business of soil testing, thereby competing with the firms it was established to regulate.

‘The revenue generation drive of the agency is counter-productive as standards became compromised.

‘It is high time LSMTL stopped playing the dual role of soil test monitoring and revenue generating agency through soil testing business.

‘LSMTL should now wield the big stick to sanitise the geotechnical sector. Any firm that wants to practise geotechnical investigations in the state must undergo scrutiny for possessing appropriate plants, equipment, accessories, experienced drillers, and analytical competent supervisors,’ the group said.

As way out of the woods, the BCPG Iru-Victoria Island Cell is making a case for the establishment of training school for drillers by the Lagos State Government, in conjunction with the Nigerian Institution of Geotechnical Engineers; Nigerian Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment; and other relevant bodies.

‘For a result oriented approach, field work monitoring with enforcement teams is inevitable in the aspirations for the satisfactory sub-soil investigations,’ it said.

The group reiterated that ensuring the integrity of sub-soil investigations is critical to safeguarding lives, properties, and investments in the coastal region of Lagos State.

While commendable efforts have been made in strengthening building control processes, the group said that more work remains to be done in the area of geotechnical practice.

‘By addressing the identified challenges and prioritizing professionalism above expediency, Lagos State can significantly reduce the risks of building collapse and set a sustainable example for other coastal cities in Nigeria and beyond,’ BCPG said.

The Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, has reaffirmed the council’s commitment to positioning Onigbongbo as the gateway of tourism and hospitality in Lagos.

Speaking at the Tourism and Hospitality Symposium, the Chairman highlighted Onigbongbo’s unique role as the first point of contact for many visitors arriving in Lagos, with its thriving hospitality sector along Allen, Opebi, Toyin, Kudirat Abiola, and Ikeja GRA.

He emphasised that tourism is not just leisure but a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, aligning with his administration’s F.I.N.E Agenda – Foster economic growth, Invest in people, Nurture enterprise, and Ensure wellbeing.

Adebanjo announced the upcoming Onigbongbo Spark Fest 2025, a landmark yuletide festival designed to light up our cityscape, attract visitors, and transform Onigbongbo into a yuletide destination to rival Victoria Island and Lekki. He also unveiled plans for a digital hospitality directory powered by QR codes, which will be placed at airports and strategic locations across Lagos, offering visitors access to local hotels, restaurants, and nightlife operators with a 10% discount incentive.

The Chairman assured tourism and hospitality stakeholders of the government’s readiness to collaborate with the private sector in driving visibility, investment, and growth, stating: ‘Together, we will make tourism the heartbeat of development in Onigbongbo LCDA.’

An operation of combined security forces in Kwara on Monday night launched an onslaught on camps of bandits and kidnappers in the Ifelodun local government area of the state.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the state governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, the onslaught resulted in multiple casualties on the side of the criminals.

‘No specific is known yet about any casualties on the side of the government forces,’ the statement said.

It is recalled that suspected bandits had on Sunday morning killed 12 residents of Oke Ode community, including a community leader.

The statement reads: ‘Combined security forces took the battle to the criminals’ hideouts around Baba Sango on Monday night, resulting in multiple casualties on the side of the roughnecks.

‘The multiagency operation comes a day after the unfortunate incident at Oke Ode on Sunday.

‘The Monday night engagement is happening along the Kogi border with Kwara, according to military sources.

‘Earlier today, the Nigerian Air Force announced aerial hits on the criminals’ positions in the area, introducing a new layer of efforts to rout the criminals.

‘No specific information is known yet about any casualties on the side of the government forces’.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new heads for three key Federal Government agencies.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government.

Tinubu appointed Bello Bawa Bwari as Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency for an initial four-year term, effective from 18 September 2025.

The President also appointed Mr Aminu Junaidu as Chairman of the Investment and Security Tribunal for a five-year term, beginning on 18 September 2025.

Similarly, Mr Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan was appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation for an initial four-year term, effective from 2 September 2025.

Imohiosen stated that the appointments underscored Tinubu’s resolve to strengthen key sectors and institutions in the country.

He added that the President urged the appointees to apply their expertise towards advancing the growth and development of their agencies for national progress.

Some farmers in Ilora, Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State, have cried out over what they described as continued invasion and destruction of their farms by Fulani herdsmen.

One of the incidents which happened recently, captured in a 7-minute footage and made available to the Nigerian Tribune showed Fulani herdsmen having confrontation with farmers after a maize farm was destroyed by the cows being reared by the herdsmen.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, one of the farmers, who craved anonymity said: Before this recent incident, a farmer was few weeks ago, attacked in his farm, killed and his motorcycle taken away. If you look at the video very well, you will see a man in purple dress, that is there leader and you will see the way he was aiding his subjects to carry out attack on the farmers.’

Asked whether relevant security agencies have been noitified about the incident, he said:’We have reported the matter, but we just felt if we make more noise about it, we believe steps will be taken urgently to address the situation.

‘It has been a very long while that this thing is happening and if the situation continues the way it is, farmers will be forced out of the farms because of their safety and avoiding continued loss of farm produce to numerous attacks from these herdsmen.

‘We appeal to government to please come to our rescue by acting accordingly in order to check the nefarious activities of these herdsmen as they remain threat to food security in Oyo State and some other places across the country,’ he said.

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, has described the legislature as the heartbeat of any democratic system and governance in the world.

The speaker explained that among other arms of government, the legislature served as an institution through which the will of the people are expressed, laws are made and government at all levels are held accountable.

Aribasoye, who was represented by the leader of the House, Tolulope Ige, spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capitalwhile declaring open a three-day workshop on Legislative Practice and Procedures.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs in collaboration with the Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Development for the legislative arms (members of legislative officers and the clerk of the house) across the local government areas in the state.

He added that local governments legislative councils are critical and are the closest to the people and, ‘their effectiveness directly impacts grassroots development which are indispensable for ensuring transparency, accountability and people oriented governance.’

He commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for placing a premium on development of sustainable loyal legislation in the state, noting that the success of governance depends on the functionality of grassroot institutions.

Aribasoye stressed that the purpose of the workshop is to shape the destiny of Ekiti, lay the foundation for stronger democratic governance and sustainable development to empower with tools needed to discharge their duties responsibly.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Babatunde Olaoye explained that it was part of the Ministry’s continuous efforts to strengthen governance at the grassroots and as it would continue to create platforms for learning, collaboration and Innovation in the state.

In his opening remarks, the Lead Consultant of the Centre of Constitutionalism and Human Development, Tope Agunbiade said that the workshop was organized to engage in the discourse on the practice, procedure and roles of legislature in the third tier of government.

He said this is aimed at delivering expected dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Olusegun Ojo encouraged the participants to fully cooperate and participate in the seminar to learn a lot as governance is one of the pillars of this administration.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has listed food, education, transport, and agriculture as items exempted from value-added tax under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recently signed tax reform laws.

The Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, announced the changes during an interview marking his two years in office. He said the move fulfils Tinubu’s campaign promise to simplify tax compliance and reduce obstacles for taxpayers.

‘With these new laws, food, education, transport, and agriculture will be VAT-free,’ Adedeji declared. ‘The President has fulfilled his promise to make businesses flourish by removing all burdens and hurdles. This is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria’s fiscal ecosystem since 1960.’

The new tax code, set to take effect in January, merges several tax laws into one and cuts the number of tax types to single digits. It also raises thresholds to protect low-income earners and exempts businesses with annual turnover below N50m from tax.

Tribune Online reports Tinubu signed four bills into law on June 26, 2025 which includes the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act. Together, these laws, known as the Tax Acts quartet aim to broaden the tax base and improve compliance across federal, state, and local governments.

Earlier, Tinubu, aimed at guiding the reforms, appointed Taiwo Oyedele, Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers, as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. The committee includes experts from both the private and public sectors.

Continuing, Adedeji said the reforms are already delivering results, with Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio rising from 10 per cent to 13.5 per cent in two years, and a target of 18 per cent set for 2027. He added that 30 states have used improved revenue to repay N1.85tn in debts, while debt servicing costs have dropped from 90 per cent to about 50 per cent of revenue.

As part of the reforms, the FIRS will be renamed the Nigeria Revenue Service to reflect its role as a central tax authority for all tiers of government. ‘The word ‘federal’ gave the wrong impression that we only collect for the federal government,’ Adedeji explained. ‘In reality, we collect VAT, of which 90 per cent belongs to the states.’

He also pointed to Tinubu’s other economic decisions, including subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, as measures that have strengthened the federation account. ‘The health of the federation account has blossomed greatly, as there are no bogus subsidy claims to deplete the pool,’ he said.

Adedeji admitted that the reforms have created short-term hardship but said government measures such as compressed natural gas buses and crude-for-naira support for local refiners are helping to ease the impact.

He added that the consolidated tax law strengthens compliance by grouping taxpayers into small, medium, and large categories, with one-stop shops for filing and payments. ‘We are service providers to taxpayers rather than just an enforcement agency,’ he said.

On concerns about a petrol surcharge, Adedeji explained that it would not apply automatically. ‘It will only take effect if activated by a ministerial order and published in the official gazette,’ he noted.

While urging taxpayers to support the reforms, he concluded: ‘When companies are doing well, expanding, and making profits, we will benefit from their growth. Our task is to remove hurdles in their way, and that is what the president has done with these new laws.’

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Kaduna Nasir El-Rufai and former Senate President, Iyorcha Ayu paid a courtesy visit to Oba Rashidi Ladoja at his Bodija residence on Tuesday.

They were received by Oba Ladoja and his Oloris.

Atiku in his speech apologised for his inability to attend the coronation ceremony.

‘Kindly forgive our inability to attend your coronation ceremony as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday,’ he pleaded.

Igbos have been called upon to commit to supporting ongoing efforts to end the insecurity ravaging parts of Igboland and forge a united front to be able to remain relevant in Nigeria’s polity.

The call was made during the 2025 Igbo Day Celebration, organised by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in Awka, Anambra State Capital.

The celebration witnessed attendance by delegates from the seven Igbo-speaking states, including Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Delta, and Rivers state.

It had commenced with a Juma’at prayer at the Central Mosque in Awka last Friday, and a thanksgiving mass on Sunday, before proceeding to an Igbo Day lecture later same day.

The Igbo day celebration was also used to recognise and celebrate the sacrifices of past Igbo heroes, as well as those who were massacred on the 29th of September, 1966, in Kano, and those who died during the Nigerian civil war of 1967 to 1970.

Speaking at the celebration held at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Monday, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, acknowledged that such a celebration was worth celebrating to serve as a reminder to Igbos, who are living in a society that recognises and honours sacrifices.

Soludo, who said the day should be a reminder to Ndigbo of the need to shun anything that will bring another war to the region, regretted that those craving for war never saw war and do not know the implications.

He also called for deep introspection by Igbos on who they are- an itinerant people, whose prosperity lies in their ability to move around and explore opportunities.

‘Igbos, as an itinerant tribe, cannot be an intolerant people. Our future lies in having a prosperous homeland, but also in being able to move around the world to explore opportunities.

‘Igbos are too large and cannot be confined to one geographical region. Igbos need Nigeria and Nigeria needs Igbos. We are major stakeholders in the Nigerian project,’ he noted.

Soludo regretted that in trying to agitate, Igbos have turned the guns on themselves, insisting that majority of those responsible for the insecurity in the Southeast as of today are mainly Igbos.

‘Igbos need to discuss their future importantly. Our bushes and forests were taken over by criminals pretending to be agitators for Ndigbo. The sit-at-home is not in our own best interest.

‘This event should usher in a new debate on what the future holds for Igboland. Ohaneze must stand and condemn the criminals in the bushes. They are not serving Igbos but are killing Igbos. More Igbos are dying in the hands of criminals in the bushes than those killed during the war.

‘We need social and moral rebirth. We must go back to the values of Ndigbo. I am eager that we can build a new Igboland, where life is valued and prosperity is guaranteed,’ he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, represented by the Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze, Okey Nwadinobi, said the theme of the event, ‘Ndigbo Onye Aghana Nwanne ya’ (Be your brother’s keeper), is central to the organization’s efforts to secure a united Igbo nation.

According to him, it compels the people to do what is right by themselves, in building an Igboland that will not be a desolate land but a destination choice.

Azutta-Mbatta, while noting that Igbos have done a lot for Nigeria, said the people deserve the best treatment in the country.

He also urged Ndigbo to support a united Nigeria that cares for everyone.

The Chairman, on the occasion, and Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, observed that Igbos have attained enviable heights in various spheres of human endeavors, attracting applause and recognition to the race.

He, however, noted that despite the plethora of achievements, the Igbos have not even scratched the surface of their potential, adding that the theme was well thought out to affirm the people’s resolve to continue to be one another’s keeper, in recognition of the strong bond of Igbo identity.

Nwoko urged Ndigbo to fight to protect their land, culture, and tradition, adding that Igbos must promote law and order to be able to achieve their manifest destiny.

He urged the Ohanaeze and the rest of the Igbo nation to support ongoing efforts to achieve the creation of Anioma State, as the 6th state of the southeast region and the 37th state of the federation, to end decades of marginalization and injustice against the Anioma people.

‘The actualization of the quest of Anioma State will amend the long overdue imbalance in the Nigerian regional structure.

‘Through our dogged efforts, the Bill for the creation of Anioma State has the support of over 90 out of the 109 Senators in the National Assembly, and we are now looking forward to the passage of the bill and a referendum to follow.

‘We plead with Ohanaeze to support this just cause,’ Nwoko pleaded.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the event and Anambra State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, expressed appreciation to all who supported the event, noting that the unity of Ndigbo is non-negotiable.

Okpalaezeukwu commended the leadership of the Ohanaeze for the new direction it is taking in unifying all Igbos, describing it as the way to go if Ndigbo must gain relevance in the socio-political sphere of Nigeria.

The Federal Government has said that arrangements have been concluded by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development for the hosting of no fewer than 1,000 young leaders and delegates from across Africa and the diaspora in Abuja, Nigeria.

According to the organisers, the young leaders are to be hosted at the Youth Creative Conference (YCC) 2025, scheduled for October 22-23, 2025 at the ECOWAS Headquarters, Abuja.

Organised in partnership with the African Union (AU) and the YCC committee, the landmark conference would bring together over 1,000 young leaders and delegates from across Africa and the diaspora.

The event would serve as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration to strengthen peacebuilding efforts and advance sustainable development across the continent.

The conference with the theme: ‘Silencing the Guns: Pathway for Peacebuilding in Africa’, underscores the central role of youth in driving peace, innovation, good governance, and regional integration.

Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, emphasised the strategic significance of the conference, highlighting its alignment with the African Union Agenda 2063, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and Nigeria’s foreign policy pillars of the Four DAs – Democracy, Diaspora, Development, and Diplomacy.

‘With 70% of Nigeria’s population made up of young people, we recognise their potential as peacebuilders, innovators, and architects of Africa’s future. This conference provides a vital platform for youth-led dialogue, creative exchange, and inclusive development,’ the Minister stated.

Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Omolara Esan, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the conference aims to empower African youth to champion peacebuilding and sustainable development, promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and good governance among young people, as well as strengthen regional and international partnerships for youth-led development and peace.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to peace and regional solidarity, the Minister noted the nation’s active contributions to peacekeeping and mediation efforts in Libya, Syria, and The Gambia, as well as its leadership in driving initiatives on security, governance reforms, climate action, digital transformation, and inclusive education within Africa.

Speaking on the growing impact of the Youth Creativity for Change (YCC) Initiative, Convener Blaize-Kizito Ndukwe lauded its rapid continental recognition since its launch just four months ago.

He explained that the initiative leverages youth creativity as a powerful tool for peace, employing innovative, non-violent approaches that reflect Africa’s diversity.

The African Union, through the Silencing the Guns flagship initiative, also reaffirmed its support. Mr. Ernest Nya Dolo, Coordinator of the AU’s Silencing the Guns Unit, remarked:

‘Youth are not just the future, they are the present. By partnering with young people across the continent, we are laying the foundation for sustainable peace and inclusive development.’

The Silencing the Guns initiative operates through a Master Roadmap of Practical Steps, placing youth engagement at the core of efforts to build a conflict-free Africa, in collaboration with regional economic communities (RECs), governments, civil society organisations, youth networks, and traditional leaders.

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, alongside its partners, have called for sustained collaboration to empower African youth as agents of peace, unity, and prosperity.