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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has flagged off the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road, stretching from Kado Village to Dei-Dei in Abuja.

Wike, who disclosed this during the flag-off ceremony on Tuesday, recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, upon assuming office in 2023, approved several emergency road projects across the FCT, including the Saburi 1 and Saburi 2 roads.

He noted that the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road was a fulfilment of the promise made to traders and residents during the commissioning of the Saburi roads, adding that the project demonstrates the administration’s resolve to match words with action.

‘Today, to the glory of God, we are here to fulfill that promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I made a commitment to the traders and residents that it was not just a promise in words but one that would be fulfilled,’ Wike said.

The minister explained that the 15km road project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company, the same firm that handled the Saburi roads, due to its proven competence and quality of work.

Commending the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, for his effective representation, Wike said Maikalangu’s advocacy for projects such as the Old Keffi Road, Ketti-Kabusa, and Kabusa-Takushara roads exemplifies true leadership.

‘That is what representation means – choosing people who know your needs and are committed to pursuing them. A good representative doesn’t talk about themselves but about the needs of their people,’ Wike noted.

Wike further assured residents that the completion of the project would transform the area, improve accessibility, and boost economic activities.

He urged the community to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration, which, according to him, is redefining governance through action-driven leadership.

The minister also highlighted other ongoing developmental initiatives, including the total rehabilitation of Government Secondary School, Dei-Dei, and the construction of new schools across the FCT.

He cautioned residents against being deceived by political actors who failed to deliver in the past, urging them to recognise the visible progress under the current administration.

‘We gave them a first chance, they failed. We gave them a second chance, they failed again. If we make the mistake of giving them a third chance, they will destroy everything,’ Wike warned.

He disclosed that the FCTA has lined up 27 project flag-offs in the coming days – an unprecedented development in the history of the nation’s capital.

Wike also directed the contractor to engage local youths, men, and women from the host communities for both direct and indirect employment opportunities to ensure they benefit economically from the project.

In her vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended President Tinubu for his unwavering support towards infrastructure renewal and for prioritising projects that improve the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

While describing the project as a vital economic link, Dr Mahmoud noted that the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road would significantly enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, improve road safety, and stimulate socio-economic growth across the axis.

‘This road is a lifeline that serves thousands of commuters daily, linking communities, reducing travel time, improving road safety, and stimulating socio-economic activities across the axis,’ she stated.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed displeasure over the commissioning of some allegedly uncompleted projects by the immediate past administration in the state, describing the move as a disservice to the people and a clear attempt to mask inefficiency.

Governor Okpebholo, who made the remarks during an on-the-spot inspection of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital and the Education Hub Complex at Iyaro, said he was shocked by the extent of uncompleted work in facilities that were publicly declared ‘commissioned’ under the last administration.

He promised to complete the projects and ensure they serve their intended purpose before the end of the year.

The Governor, who was accompanied by top government officials, said the visit was to obtain first-hand information on the state of infrastructure across key sectors, particularly health and education.

According to him, his administration is committed to restoring integrity in governance by completing all abandoned or half-done projects for the benefit of Edo citizens.

‘I do not know why the previous administration commissioned this hospital when work was still ongoing.

‘It is wrong to mislead the people with such gestures. Our duty is to finish what was started and ensure that Edo people get full value for every naira spent,’ Okpebholo said in dismay.

At the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, who conducted the Governor around the facility, disclosed that the hospital was barely 60 per cent completed, noting that many of the hospital beds were old and recycled from the previous structure.

‘We have gone round the facility with His Excellency, and it’s clear that the hospital is far from completion.

‘The Governor has, however, directed that all necessary work be accelerated to bring it to 100 per cent completion as quickly as possible,’ Dr Oshiomhole said.

At the Iyaro Education Hub, Okpebholo again expressed displeasure, stating that the former administration’s decision to commission the complex was both premature and misleading.

‘This building was hurriedly commissioned without power, equipment, or any operational capacity,’ Okpebholo lamented.

‘It is sad because there was really nothing to commission. Our focus now is to make this place fully functional, restore its purpose, and breathe life into the Ministry of Education,’ he said.

He further disclosed that his government will mobilise contractors within weeks to begin work at the Iyaro complex after taking full inventory of what is required to operationalise the facility.

The contractor handling the project, George Bou Maroon, explained that the complex is designed to centralise all educational activities in the state, housing offices for the Ministry of Education, SUBEB, a library board, auditorium, staff restaurants, and other administrative units.

Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called for a coroner’s inquest into the tragic Afriland Tower fire that claimed ten lives on 16 September 2025, at Broad Street, Lagos Island.

In a formal petition addressed to the Chief Coroner of Lagos State, dated 29 September 2025, Falana requested an official inquiry to determine the cause and circumstances of the fatalities.

The human rights lawyer said the victims – four officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and six employees of United Capital Plc – were trapped in the six-storey building after it was engulfed by thick smoke during the fire outbreak.

Signed by Taiwo E. Olawanle on behalf of Falana’s chambers, the letter emphasised that the incident was avoidable and fell within the purview of Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law, 2007, which mandates an inquest in cases of violent, unnatural, or suspicious deaths.

Falana urged the Chief Coroner to use his good offices to ensure justice for the deceased and to make recommendations that could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Federal Government has announced plans to refinance Nigeria’s high-interest debt portfolio as part of efforts to reduce debt servicing costs, strengthen fiscal stability, and create more fiscal space for productive investments.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, disclosed this on Tuesday at the 55th Annual Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja.

Edun explained that the decision became necessary following a sharp rise in the country’s debt servicing obligations in recent years.

He noted that Treasury bill rates had surged from 8 percent in 2023 to nearly 24 percent, while external debt service costs almost tripled from a budgeted ?2.7 trillion to ?6.7 trillion in 2024.

‘We are taking deliberate steps to refinance our expensive debt and bring down the cost of borrowing. This will ease fiscal pressure, free resources for development spending, and strengthen our long-term fiscal position,’ Edun stated.

The minister said the refinancing plan aligns with the administration’s medium-term economic growth agenda focused on building a productive, private sector-led economy driven by openness, efficiency, and innovation.

‘Our growth strategy is centered on productive capital formation through increased private investment. We are targeting a 7 percent GDP growth rate by 2027/2028, which will help lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty,’ he added.

Edun further explained that the government is repositioning the economy to be driven by competition and innovation, with the public sector serving as a facilitator rather than a dominant actor.

He revealed that the administration is investing heavily in digital infrastructure to harness the potential of Nigeria’s youthful population, 65 percent of whom are under the age of 35.

Edun reiterated the government’s goal of raising Nigeria’s infrastructure stock from below 40 percent of GDP toward the global benchmark of 75 percent, while mobilising domestic resources through innovative financing and the formalisation of the informal sector.

He also highlighted the Tax Reform Act, which seeks to harmonise tax administration, expand the tax base, and eliminate multiple taxation, alongside efforts to strengthen digital revenue collection platforms and optimise the federal government’s balance sheet through asset financialisation.

‘We expect subnational governments to follow suit by adopting asset optimisation strategies that enhance fiscal efficiency and revenue performance,’ he said.

On social welfare, Edun noted that the government is scaling up social investment programmes through enhanced digital identification systems to ensure targeted and transparent delivery of support to vulnerable Nigerians.

He urged members of ICAN to play an active role in promoting transparency and accountability in the ongoing reforms.

‘As custodians of financial integrity, your role is pivotal. ICAN should consider developing a transparent rating model for accounting firms, perhaps a four-star to zero-star system, to promote excellence in tax audit and financial reporting,’ he suggested.

Edun reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to restoring fiscal stability, fostering private sector-led growth, and driving sustainable economic transformation through prudent debt management, digital innovation, and inclusive reforms.

The initiative aims to achieve 70 percent nationwide internet penetration, connecting all local governments and wards to promote inclusion for women and youth.

‘We are laying the foundation for a tech-driven future that will unlock opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth,’ Edun said.

He reported that Nigeria’s fiscal position has improved significantly over the past two years, with federal revenue growing by over 70 percent in nominal terms.

He attributed this improvement to key reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including foreign exchange and fuel market liberalisation, as well as the automation of revenue collection systems.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Tuesday night announced another case of vandalism on the signalling components of the Lagos-lbadan Standard Gauge rail between Agege and Agbado Stations.

In a statement signed by the NRC Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the Corporation disclosed that some unknown persons had tampered with vital signalling components along the corridor.

‘The vandalized items include the removal of signal machine cap protectors and the cutting of connection cables on Switch Point Machine No. 2.

‘The damage was discovered during a routine inspection on Monday, 6th October 2025.

‘The Corporation strongly condemns these acts of sabotage against national infrastructure, stressing that such actions not only disrupt smooth train operations but also pose serious safety risks to both passengers and railway staff. ‘However, NRC assures the general public that train movement on the Lagos-lbadan corridor was not obstructed and operations have continued without interruption.

‘Security agencies have been notified to investigate and apprehend those responsible.

‘The Corporation reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of rail operations nationwide and calls on members of the public, especially communities along railway corridors, to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities around railway facilities,’ The NRC stated.

The National Coordinator of Young Christian Democrats (YCD), Mr Ezekiel Dinfa, has described the presidential hopeful, Dr Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, as a true unifier, having both northern and southern parentage.

Dinfa was reacting to a statement credited to President Bola Tinubu when he visited Jos at the weekend, asking Christians in the North to support him because he respects freedom of religion, arguing that his wife is a pastor.

According to him, only a president of Christian extraction from the North can protect the people against religious extremism and terrorism ravaging parts of Northern Nigeria and threatening more than 250 minorities who have, for centuries, maintained their identities.

‘This is not a time for that statement President Tinubu is talking about, as even southern Christians do not understand what we are going through. Only a northern Christian does.

‘We have already identified a northern Christian who can do the job in the person of Dr Joel Gbenga Hashim, and he is running on the platform of the PDP.

‘He is a successful entrepreneur and one of the founders of the PDP. He understands national security and economics,’ Dinfa stated.

He maintained that ‘Dr Hashim is a fair-minded democrat who will protect Muslims too because, like most northern Christians, he has his Muslim roots as well.’

Dinfa restated that Dr Hashim was capable of promoting national unity and harmony, given Nigeria’s ethnic heterogeneity.

‘Like our own son in Plateau, General Yakubu Gowon, who brought Nigeria back together when war broke out, Dr Hashim has the capability to manage Nigeria’s diversity, while most aspirants in the field do not even know or understand Nigeria,’ he said.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), in its quarterly reports released on Tuesday, has revealed that all the electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) operating in Nigeria remitted a total sum of N399.20 billion to the electricity market in the second quarter of this year.

NERC, established by the Electricity Act of 2023 to ensure a stable, adequate, and safe electricity supply for consumers and an efficient, investor-friendly market, is the independent body responsible for the technical and economic regulation of Nigeria’s electricity supply industry (NESI).

According to the report, the cumulative upstream invoice payable by DisCos was N417.35 billion, consisting of N348.66 billion for DRO-adjusted generation costs from NBET4 and N68.68 billion for transmission and administrative services by the Market Operator (MO).

The report stated that out of the amount, the DisCos collectively remitted a total sum of N399.20 billion, N333.90 billion for NBET and N65.30 billion for MO, with an outstanding balance of N18.15 billion, which is a remittance performance of 95.65% in 2025/Q2 compared to the 95.86% recorded in 2025/Q1.

The report also revealed that the six international bilateral customers purchasing power from the grid-connected GenCos made a cumulative payment of $9.015 million against the $17.54 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2025/Q2, with a remittance rate of 51.33%.

Additionally, the report showed that the domestic bilateral customers made a cumulative payment of N1,401.00 million against the N2,796.29 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2025/Q2, with a remittance rate of 50.10% while also stating that the naira value of the total energy offtake by all DisCos in 2025/Q2 was N909.59 billion and the total energy billed was N742.34 billion, which translates to a billing efficiency of 81.61%.

Thus, the report showed that at an aggregate level, DisCos were unable to account for N167.25 billion worth of energy received at their trading points in 2025/Q2 while also revealing that the total revenue collected by all DisCos in 2025/Q2 was N564.71 billion out of N742.34 billion billed to customers which translated to a collection efficiency of 76.07%, representing an increase of 1.68pp compared to 2025/Q1 (74.39%).

It said the weighted average Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATCandC) loss across all DisCo in 2025/Q2 was 37.92%, comprising technical and commercial loss (18.39%) and collection loss (23.93%).

Tribune Online reports that ATCandC loss is a summation of the billing losses incurred by a DisCo due to its inability to bill 100% of energy delivered to customers (technical and commercial losses); and collection losses arising from the DisCo’s inability to collect 100% of the bills issued to customers.

The report said the ATCandC loss of 37.92% is 17.38pp higher than the 2025 MYTO target (20.54%) and translates to a cumulative revenue loss of ?158.053 billion across all DisCos. The ATCandC loss decreased by 1.69pp (better performance) compared to 2025/Q1 (39.61%).

All the DisCos, according to the report, except Eko, did not meet their target ATCandC during the quarter as Kaduna DisCo recorded the worst underperformance relative to the target ATCandC (Actual -70.98% versus target -21.32%).

It was a joyous moment in Ogun State on Tuesday as the first commercial flight took off from the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Remo, to Abuja.

The passengers of the maiden flight were conveyed to the Federal Capital Territory by Value Jet Airline.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who spoke to journalists after the plane took off at 10:02 a.m., described the event as a major milestone in the actualisation of his administration’s vision to transform the state into an investment-friendly and economically viable entity.

The elated governor said the new airport was a strategic component of the state’s multi-modal transportation master plan, designed to integrate road, rail, air, and water transport systems, thereby boosting trade, tourism, and industrialisation.

‘It’s a delightful honour to witness the inaugural flight of a commercial aircraft taking off from Ogun State.

‘This is not like Artificial Intelligence (AI); this is real – commercial operations starting from Ogun State in the lifetime of an administration.

‘We came here in 2021; some people said it was just politics, some said it was just a dump site, but we are here today, and you have seen what can be achieved when there is vision, passion, and diligence.

‘Building an airport is one thing; having an airport become operational is a totally different thing. It is a highly regulated industry,’ he said.

He appreciated God for making it possible, noting that God had given the team the grace to envision, implement, and see it happen.

Abiodun commended the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the security agencies for their support and professionalism throughout the airport’s certification and approval process.

According to the governor, the Gateway International Airport is expected to serve as a key driver for investment inflow, job creation, and improved connectivity.

He appreciated the people of the state for their support, noting that his administration, since inception, had transformed the socio-economic status of the state by making it an investment destination of choice.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, expressed joy at the latest development in the state.

‘I feel elated, excited, and on top of the world that this is happening in Ogun State under a government in which I am a part.

‘The economic gains, the comfort, and the convenience are some of the advantages of this airport in Ogun State. I don’t need to go to Lagos. Within 20 to 30 minutes, I am here,’ he said.

The State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, described the event as historic and a giant step towards economic development.

The Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Salis, said there was nothing more exciting than taking a flight from one’s own state.

‘The Senate is resuming plenary today. There is nothing more exciting than to take a flight from your own state, in an airport built by the state government, in an aeroplane operated by another son of Ogun State.

‘History is being made. We are grateful to God and the governor. It is a great opportunity,’ he said.

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Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that the newly completed housing in Badagry would cater for the accommodation needs of over 2,000 individuals.

The governor made this announcement as the new Lagos State Housing Estate, Ajara phase 1, at Badagry is set for unveiling this Wednesday.

The 420 home units at Ajara Badagry, expected to further increase the stock of model housing units in Lagos, consist of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments.

According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, the aim is to provide affordable and quality housing in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s campaign promise to complete all ongoing housing projects in the state.

Akinderu-Fatai expressed excitement about the project’s completion, citing its potential impact on the community’s economy.

‘The aim is to provide affordable and quality housing in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s campaign promise to complete all ongoing housing projects in the state,’ he said.

The commissioner thanked prospective subscribers for their patience and trust in the administration and advised interested subscribers to visit the Estate Department of the Ministry at Block 3, the Secretariat, Alausa.

‘He also advised interested subscribers who have intention to apply to visit the Estate Department of the Ministry.and refrain from dealing with swindlers as the Ministry does not engage agents in the sale of any of its housing units.’

Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has lamented that more than six decades after the independence, Nigeria has been endlessly moving in circles.

Stressing that not much has been achieved, he said the elites have failed to wake up to the militant wing to go and get their uniform and take over the leadership of the country.

Adebayo, in a statement at the weekend, bemoaned the level of rot in the system, ranging from pervasive crimes to corruption, insecurity, inflation and poverty, among others, attributing the development to poor leadership.

He decried the acceptance of evil in the system as a way of life, saying, ‘I think all the crimes, vices, and evil that could be committed is already permitted under the system. There’s no need for you to break it, it’s already performing. So, they all remain there and we, who are democrats, are happy that we have had a broken civilian system.’

Amid the lamentation of the country’s journey so far, Adebayo expressed hope of a greater tomorrow as he drew an analogy between 1960 when the independence journey started and today.

He said: ‘We started the journey in October 1960 on foot but we didn’t walk diligently. We were just joking around with it. So we haven’t got to the destination. But, luckily for us, the journey that was started on foot, we now have cars to continue, we have aircraft to continue. So, there is hope on the horizon.’

He, however, blamed all the country’s woes, ranging from insecurity to corruption and poor infrastructural development among others, to poor leadership.

Painting a lucid picture of how poor the situation is, he said: ‘In Nigeria, you can be a pastor, a bishop or a General Overseer without being a Christian. And you can be a chief imam without being a Muslim; you are just holding the position because the society permits that.

‘In same vein, you can be a professor without being an academic because it’s just a title for you to go and claim something or to massage your ego.

‘You can be a senior advocate or a judge, without knowing justice, without paying your workers. You can be molesting and harassing your domestic staff and you achieve justice and nobody cares.

‘You don’t have a sense of justice, but you are the one who decides over justice for the whole country. And nobody cares. So, you’re going to have a senior police officer who steals and nothing happens.’