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A group, Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), has called for accountability in ongoing ‘illegal structure’ demolition in Lagos State which has elicited mixed reaction.

Its Executive Director, Festus Adebayo, lamented that negligence and complicity are at the heart of the crisis. He questioned why authorities allowed such buildings to rise over many years without intervention, only to demolish them after completion.

‘Where was the government when approvals were granted by its staff and when these structures were being constructed? Why weren’t they stopped earlier? Instead, the government waited until buildings were completed, painted, and occupied before moving in with bulldozers. This is ridiculous,’ Adebayo stated.

He described the demolitions as economic waste, stressing that they inflict hardship on innocent homeowners while failing to address the corruption that enabled the illegal constructions in the first place.

According to him, accountability must not stop at developers alone.

‘Demolition is the punishment for the developer but hear me clearly: the criminal officers who aided the construction must also go down. Until government officers who looked the other way are held publicly accountable whether by outright dismissal or demotion, these demolitions will never end. Right now, the punishment falls only on developers, which makes the exercise one-sided and ineffective.’

He maintained that holding complicit officials responsible would act as a deterrent to others and reduce future occurrences.

Stakeholders also criticized the silence of professional bodies, particularly the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), noting that if urban planning systems are being undermined, the Institute has a responsibility to speak up.

‘How can NITP be left out? If what they plan is being bastardized, the onus is on them to speak out,’ Stakeholders added.

Adebayo reiterated that corruption within government approval systems fuels most of the illegal structures that are later targeted for demolition, insisting that unless this is addressed, the cycle will continue.

‘Enough is enough. This waste of resources is a direct result of corruption. The government must act fast,’ he said.

Constant interventions of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) has saved tertiary institutions from becoming glorified secondary schools, Rector Federal Polytechnic, Offa Dr. Kamoru O. Kadiri has said.

Dr. Kadiri, an engineer, revealed that the polytechnic under his watch had received no less than four billion Naira from TETfund for massive infrastructural development of the institution.

The rector told our correspondent on the sidelines of TETfund’s town hall meetings in Ilorin, Kwara State capital.

He said: ‘I must give it to them, without TETfund, tertiary institutions would have become glorified secondary schools in the country.

‘The fund under its current leadership has invested roughly N4 billion in my institution for infrastructure development only. I am not talking about other interventions. When you talk about infrastructure development I mean special interventions, high impact interventions and normal interventions. Even this year alone, TETfund allocates N850 million for infrastructural development.

‘However, I want TETfund to focus attention on building of halls of residence for students. The student population of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa is not less than 18,000. We need hostel accommodation of not less than 3,000 capacity.

‘We also need the intervention of TETfund in the provision of energy and provision of utility vehicle for the convenience of principal officers and administrative duties.’

On maintenance of TETfund buildings, the polytechnic chief added that ‘this year in particular, TETfund directed all tertiary institutions not to embark on construction of new structures. Instead, it earmarked N250 million each for the maintenance of buildings handed over to them.

‘Thirty percent of the fund for the purchase of laboratories equipment and the rest for the maintenance of the aging structures on campuses.

The Lagos State Education District VI has reaffirmed its commitment to educational excellence by honouring outstanding educators, students and staff in the district at its 19th Annual Merit Award Ceremony.

The event, themed: ‘Rewarding Excellence’, was held at Ikeja Senior Grammar School, Oshodi.

The event celebrated top performers across categories such as: Best Principal, Teacher, School, Student, Non-Teaching Staff, Quality Assurance Officer, District Officer, Heads of Department, NGOs and Alumni groups for their impactful contributions to education in the district.

In his speech, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, emphasised that the awards are to motivate others to be up and doing in the teaching and learning activities in schools.

Alli-Balogun also noted that the state government is leveraging on technical and vocational education in schools across the state.

‘At primary level, we want to showcase vocational education by leveraging, building classrooms that would equip the students.

‘These recognitions show our teachers and students that their efforts are seen, valued and rewarded,’ he said.

Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI, Mrs. Mojisola Christiana Yusuff, announced that 42 students and workers from 106 schools were honoured for academic and extracurricular achievements.

Mrs. Yusuf also encouraged workers in the district to strive and become the best and not rest on their current achievement.

‘For those who didn’t win any award, they should not relent. They should still continue to do their job. We all must work towards achieving a greater Lagos

‘Teaching is not just a profession, it is service, sacrifice and inspiration,’ she said.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Daniel Ayokanmi, urged awardees to sustain their efforts and continue promoting academic excellence.

‘I encourage others that are yet to do well to step up. We should keep the good work. This award is in promotion of good work,’ he said.

Continental Civil, a leading Nigerian engineering and construction company, and Qshelter, a premium real estate services firm, have announced the groundbreaking of Lagos 2004 Estate, a transformative residential development poised to redefine urban living in Lagos. Inspired by the iconic 1004 Estate in Victoria Island, this modern replica project combines innovative design, strategic accessibility, and flexible financing to deliver sustainable, community-oriented housing.

Strategically positioned along Monastery Road near Novare Mall, Lagos 2004 Estate offers residents exceptional connectivity with just a 23-minute drive to Victoria Island via the Coastal Road. This prime location combines suburban tranquility with urban accessibility, making it an ideal choice for discerning homebuyers both locally and in the Diaspora.

Recognising the financing challenges facing prospective homeowners, Lagos 2004 Estate offers innovative payment solutions designed to make quality housing accessible:

Flexible Payment Plans: 50% initial deposit with the remaining balance due upon delivery

Long-term Mortgages: 20-year financing options with competitive single-digit interest rates

Government-backed Programmes: Access to 6% rates through the National Housing Fund and 9.75% through the MREIF programme

Customised Solutions: Tailored payment structures to meet individual financial circumstances

Drawing inspiration from Lagos’s iconic 1004 Estate, this development combines prestige with contemporary design principles. Lagos 2004 Estate will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, comprehensive security systems, and community-focused amenities that foster neighbourly connections while maintaining modern lifestyle standards.

‘Lagos 2004 Estate represents more than a housing development; it’s our commitment to building sustainable, thriving communities that honour the prestige of the original 1004 Estate while addressing the evolving needs of today’s urban residents,’ said Dare Makinde, Chief Commercial Officer of Qshelter.

Makinde further emphasised Qshelter’s comprehensive approach: ‘Our role extends far beyond traditional sales and marketing. We’re committed to ensuring a seamless homeownership journey through affordable financing solutions and exceptional customer service that supports buyers from initial inquiry through move-in and beyond.’

This partnership brings together two industry leaders with demonstrated track records:

About Continental Civil – Continental Civil stands as Nigeria’s foremost construction company, currently serving as lead developer for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates initiative. The company’s portfolio includes:

2,800 housing units under construction in Karsana, Abuja

1,000 housing units in Janguza, Kano (60% complete)

Partnership with Nigerian Army Properties Limited on a 120-hectare development in Asokoro Extension, Abuja, delivering nearly 2,000 residential units and service plots for the Army officers, men and general public

About Qshelter -Qshelter operates as Nigeria’s leading digital real estate platform, connecting homebuyers with verified properties and affordable financing options. The company specialises in serving both domestic and Diaspora Nigerian markets through transparent, professional service delivery.

Lagos 2004 Estate represents a new paradigm in Nigerian residential development – one that prioritises community building, financial accessibility, and sustainable urban planning. This model development aims to establish benchmarks for future residential projects across Nigeria.

An early morning fire yesterday destroyed no fewer than 26 shops at Bariga Market in Lagos, leaving traders counting their losses.

The inferno, which broke out about 4:05 a.m., reportedly started from one of the keeklamps shops before spreading rapidly to others due to the wooden partitions supporting the structures.

Eyewitnesses said the fire spread quickly as most of the shops were closely built, with flammable materials aiding the intensity of the blaze.

Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire Service, LRU paramedics and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) were said to have responded swiftly to the distress call, preventing the flames from engulfing other sections of the market.

In a preliminary report, LASEMA confirmed that though goods worth millions of naira were destroyed, no lives were lost and no injuries recorded.

The statement read: ‘Upon arrival, it was observed that some kee klamps shops were engulfed by fire. The cause of the outbreak could not be ascertained. However, the collaborative efforts of all emergency responders ensured that the fire was contained and prevented from spreading further. Twenty-six shops were affected.’

Market leaders expressed relief that no casualties were recorded but appealed to the government for assistance in cushioning the heavy losses suffered by traders.

As at press time, emergency officials had completed dampening operations, and the scene had been secured to avoid secondary incidents.

The Federal Government has unveiled a Communications Strategy and Framework (2025-2027) to strengthen information sharing, public trust and accountability nationwide in the education sector.

The Framework was developed with the support of Partnership for Learning for All in Nigerian Education (PLANE) and UK International Development.

Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja, Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, described the framework as a turning point in how it ‘will communicate reforms, achievements and challenges in education.’

The minister also said learners are expected to benefit from clearer information on free and inclusive education opportunities, as well as improved access to STEMM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes that directly connect to jobs.

He said it would provide journalists and other stakeholders with clear, fact-based information while countering misinformation and ensuring wider public engagement.

The strategy, which runs from 2025 to 2027, sets out a roadmap for how the ministry and its agencies will deliver unified messaging, foster transparency, and highlight reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said: ‘The Communication Strategy we are launching today is not a document to be shelved. It is our blueprint for telling Nigeria’s education story with clarity, credibility and consistency.

‘It unites all our departments and agencies under one framework, establishes standards for transparency and stakeholder engagement, and serves as a social contract with the Nigerian people: that every reform, policy, innovation and success story will be shared, understood, and celebrated.’

He added: ‘For parents and caregivers, the new communication system promises safer schools through anti-bullying campaigns and girl-child initiatives. It also offers simplified updates on school enrolment policies, feeding programmes, and re-entry schemes, alongside digital tools to track children’s progress.

‘The media will also gain timely access to press briefings, fact sheets, and media kits, making it easier to track reforms and communicate them to the public while Teachers and school leaders will gain more opportunitie0s for professional development and regular updates on quality assurance standards, supported by digital teaching resources to improve classroom delivery, amongst others.’

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, explained that the new strategy is designed to present its policies and programmes in clear, accessible language and strengthen two-way communication and feedback channels, and build trust and collective ownership around critical initiatives.

She urged stakeholders to take ownership of the framework and use it actively as it moves forward.

The minister added that ‘together we can create a culture of open, timely and effective communication that accelerates results and improves learning outcomes for every Nigerian child.’

A lawyer, Emmanuel Chinyere Orji, has sued the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for declaring him wanted without a court order.

Orji is asking for N1 billion in exemplary and general damages.

In a fundamental rights suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the lawyer is praying for a declaration that the publication and hasty declaration of him as a wanted person with his name and photo published in The Nation Newspaper on August 20, 2025, Special Police Gazette Bulletin and official website of the police without any prior order or leave of a court of competent jurisdiction is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

He is urging the court to hold that the publication amounted to a gross violation of his fundamental rights to personal liberty, private and family life, freedom of movement and rights not to be subjected to inhuman treatment as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 37, 41(1) and 46 of the 1999 Constitution and Articles 6 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights as ratified and domesticated by the National Assembly.

Orji is praying the court to declare that the IG lacks the statutory power to declare him a wanted person without first obtaining an order from a court of competent jurisdiction.

Through his legal team, led by Edwin Anikwem (SAN), Orji sought an order quashing the publications.

The applicant also sought an order directing the IG to publish an apology to him for the illegal, unconstitutional and gross violation of his fundamental rights in the publication and hasty declaration of him as a wanted person.

He sought an order awarding him N500 million only as exemplary damages for the flagrant violation of his rights, and another N500 million only as general damages.

Orji sought an order of injunction restraining the respondent or his agents from further infringing or violating his constitutionally guaranteed rights with respect to the subject matter of the suit.

It is on the ground that he has never been tried or convicted of any criminal offence in any court of law, nor has he ever jumped bail for any offence in Nigeria; therefore, he cannot be declared wanted by administrative fiat without any prior order or leave of court.

ýIn a supporting affidavit, Stephen Adekpe, a litigation officer in the applicant’s counsel’s law firm, stated that Orji is a legal practitioner of over 20 years’ standing.

ýýHe stated that the applicant is presently outside the country to treat a spinal cord issue.

The deponent stated that Orji, as a lawyer, has represented companies and individuals and has always discharged his obligations diligently and dutifully.

He stated that declaring the applicant a wanted person makes him a fugitive from the law.

Adekpe added: ‘Any person who knows about the fact of the applicant being declared wanted has a right to arrest him.

‘Arresting the applicant will lead to his liberty being constrained.

‘The applicant is not aware of any order against him from a court of competent jurisdiction that would warrant the respondent to publish Exhibit A (wanted declaration) against him.

‘The respondent has not followed the provisions of the law with regard to declaring persons wanted.

‘If the respondent is not restrained by an order of this honourable court, the respondent shall continue to circulate the unlawful and illegal publication.

‘The applicant is entitled to be indemnified in both exemplary and general damages, and most importantly, an apology from the respondent.

‘No amount of damages can compensate for the damage the Respondent has done to the Applicant’s reputation personally and in the practice of his profession.’

Morocco’s OCP Group, a major global player in phosphate rock and plant nutrition solutions, recorded consolidated revenue of 52.16 billion dirhams ($5.7 billion) for the first half this year.

The financial results reflected a 21 per cent increase from the 43.24 billion dirhams ($4.7 billion) generated during the same period last year.

According to the company’s results , the strong performance was primarily driven by robust fertilizer demand in the Indian market and sustained export growth to Europe.

Additionally, rising fertilizer export prices contributed significantly, propelled by an increase in sulfur costs and global demand that exceeded available supply, pushing prices higher throughout 2025.

‘The price of fertilizers on the international market rose from $520/T in the first half of 2024 to $589/T in the first half of 2025,’ the document noted.

By region, South America was the top destination for OCP’s fertilizer shipments, accounting for 26 percent of revenue, followed by Europe (21 percent), India (19 percent), and Africa (18 percent). The remaining sales were realized in other Asian countries, Oceania, and North America.

OCP is confident in promising prospects for the remainder of the fiscal year, having continued to expand its fertilizer production capabilities.

In July, OCP subsidiary Nutricrops commissioned a new triple superphosphate (TSP) production line at the Jorf Lasfar industrial platform with an annual capacity of 500,000 tons. A month earlier, in March 2025, the company commissioned a new phosphoric acid treatment unit with a capacity of 1,500 tons of phosphorous pentoxide (P2O5) per day.

These initiatives are expected to increase fertilizer production in the second half of the fiscal year and further boost the company’s sales. For the full year 2024, OCP had reported total revenues of 96.9 billion dirhams ($9.8 billion).

Tickets to next year’s FIFA World Cup officially went on sale yesterday despite the fact that not even half of the spots in the 48-team 2026 World Cup field have been claimed.

What’s more, the schedule of matches won’t be finalized until December. And other than host nations U.S., Canada and Mexico, nobody has any idea where or when they’ll be playing.

But millions of fans worldwide evidently don’t seem to mind any of those points.

The buyers will be those who were selected, out of 4.5 million applicants in a lottery that took place last month, to have the first formal chance to purchase tickets over the next few days. FIFA said lottery winners have been, or will soon be, informed by email.

There are unique questions for consumers heading into the tournament, particularly about how they’ll get visas, if necessary, to visit the U.S. as the country cracks down on immigration. There are also more traditional concerns such as who, when and where – and none of those will be answered until the draw on Dec. 5. FIFA knows many fans won’t fret about those answers; they’ll just want tickets now and will figure out the rest later.

‘These are not only outstanding figures, but also a strong statement,’ FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on social media, reacting to the 4.5 million applicants for a spot in the purchase window that opened Wednesday.

‘The whole world wants to be part of the FIFA World Cup 26, the biggest, most inclusive and most exciting event ever. From Canada, Mexico and the United States, to countries big and small across every continent, fans are proving once again passion for football truly unites.’

Sir: The Afriland Tower fire of September 12, will be remembered not only for its immediate destruction but for the debate it has reignited about fire safety in Nigerian high-rises. In a city racing to build taller and faster, the question is no longer whether growth will continue, but whether that growth will be safe, sustainable, and resilient against preventable hazards.

As a Nigerian civil engineer practicing construction management in the United States, I have seen how fire hazards in tall buildings often stem from preventable lapses. The absence of sprinkler systems, reliance on combustible cladding, poor smoke compartmentalization, and neglected alarm or evacuation systems all magnify the danger. In too many cases, blocked or poorly marked exits leave occupants with little chance of survival when seconds can mean the difference between escape and tragedy.

The scale of the challenge is undeniable. Lagos, home to Africa’s fastest-growing skyline, is also one of its most vulnerable urban centers for fire risk. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service records hundreds of outbreaks annually, many in commercial or multi-story buildings. A 2024 safety audit revealed that over 30 percent of inspected structures lacked adequate detection or suppression systems. In one reporting year, at least 82 lives were lost and property worth more than N25.37 billion was destroyed; in another, losses exceeded N19.5 billion. These figures demonstrate that fire is not just a safety concern but also an economic burden that undermines livelihoods and public confidence.

Global best practices point to clear solutions. Data from the U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shows that buildings with automatic sprinklers experience 89 percent fewer civilian deaths from fire than those without. More than 90 percent of fires in such buildings are contained within the room of origin, significantly limiting casualties and property loss. These statistics highlight a reality Nigeria cannot ignore: prevention saves lives and protects economies.

Unfortunately, research within Nigeria underscores significant shortcomings. A 2023 study of Abuja shopping malls, published in F1000Research, found that many lacked active fire protection devices such as smoke detectors and sprinklers, or had systems in poor condition. Passive protections, including fire-rated doors and compartmentalization, were often inadequate. Another study from Covenant University, published in the International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering, showed that many students did not know the location of fire exits or safety signage, underscoring the need for education, drills, and preparedness alongside better infrastructure.

Strengthening Nigeria’s fire safety framework requires collaboration. The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), tasked with enforcing construction standards, plays a pivotal role, but its efforts must be reinforced by technical expertise and advocacy from professional bodies. Organizations such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Nigeria Chapter, and the World Safety Organization (WSO) Nigeria can work in tandem with LASBCA to push for stricter enforcement, standardized certifications, regular audits, and ongoing professional training. Together, regulators and practitioners can embed fire safety into the DNA of Nigeria’s built environment.

Some stakeholders argue that advanced fire systems and fire-tested materials increase construction costs. Yet the cost of inaction is far higher: billions lost in property damage, delayed investments, and most devastatingly, human lives cut short. Safe buildings are not optional add-ons; they are the foundation of sustainable, resilient growth.

The Afriland Tower fire must not be remembered only for its destruction. It should mark a turning point in how Nigeria approaches building safety. By embedding fire prevention measures into design, construction, and maintenance, the nation can protect lives, safeguard investments, and ensure its skylines stand as symbols of progress rather than peril.