Category: Daily Trust

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to awarding more construction projects to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, as part of ongoing efforts to drive job creation and accelerate infrastructure development across the state.

The Governor also reiterated his administration’s resolve to expand employment opportunities for youths through sustained investment in infrastructure and strategic partnerships with reputable construction companies.

In a statement, Governor Oborevwori observed that unemployment and economic hardship remain major challenges facing many families, stressing the need for deliberate government interventions aimed at improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for young people.

‘There are many challenges facing our people today, especially unemployment and economic hardship. Too many of our young people are giving up because opportunities are limited. That is why we must continue to create jobs, empower our youths, and ensure that development reaches every community.’

He commended workers and contractors handling projects across the state for their dedication and contributions to community development, noting that genuine efforts toward progress deserve the support of all stakeholders.

Governor Oborevwori further emphasized that his administration will continue to partner with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in executing critical projects aimed at boosting employment and enhancing infrastructure in Warri, Effurun, and other parts of the state.

He disclosed that the reconstruction of the Effurun Roundabout to the NPA axis has already been awarded to Julius Berger, in line with his administration’s plan to modernize infrastructure within the Warri/Effurun metropolis.

The Governor also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing reforms targeted at repositioning Nigeria’s economy. He noted that the reforms have increased revenue available to state governments, enabling the execution of key projects and prompt payment of salaries.

Speaking further, Governor Oborevwori revealed that the completed Trans Warri-Ode Itsekiri Roads and Bridges project will be inaugurated upon the completion of the Ubeji-Ifie Road.

Hon. Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo Waziri, a son-in-law to former Gombe State governor and senator representing Gombe Central, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje, has publicly reaffirmed his loyalty and support to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya amid ongoing political realignments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Dasuki Waziri, who is married to Senator Goje’s second daughter, Zainab Danjuma Goje, made the declaration on Monday during a courtesy visit to Governor Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House in Gombe.

The former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs commended the governor for what he described as remarkable achievements in infrastructure development, peaceful coexistence and inclusive governance across the state.

A statement issued by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, quoted Dasuki as praising Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership style, saying it had strengthened unity within the APC and improved public confidence in governance.

Dasuki, who also served as the National Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), noted that the administration’s people-oriented projects and developmental initiatives had positively impacted communities across the state.

According to him, the governor’s commitment to peace, stability and development deserved the support of all well-meaning citizens irrespective of political differences.

‘We are proud of your leadership and the progress recorded under your administration. Your commitment to peace, unity and development is highly commendable,’ he stated.

He further assured the governor of his continued loyalty and readiness to contribute towards sustaining political stability and unity within the APC and Gombe State in general.

Responding, Governor Inuwa Yahaya appreciated the visit, describing it as a demonstration of political maturity, unity and commitment to the progress of the state.

The governor reiterated his administration’s determination to continue implementing policies and programmes aimed at improving the living conditions of the people and consolidating on the gains already achieved in critical sectors.

The development comes at a time political activities are gradually intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections in Gombe State.

Daily Trust reports that Governor Yahaya is currently battling with Goje over the lawmaker’s bid to return to the National Assembly for a record fifth term.

During a recent consensus arrangement meeting, the governor picked DCP Mohammed Ahmed Deba (Rtd) as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate to succeed Goje in the National Assembly.

On April 2, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Plateau state to condole with the people and state government over the March 29 attacks on Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North LGA, where 28 people were confirmed killed and others injured.

The March 29 attack claimed the lives of innocent people, including university students, a corps member, passersby, traders, among others.

Worried by the development, the President met with stakeholders and victims’ families to condole and assure them of his administration’s commitment to end what many described as incessant attacks and killings in the state.

Speaking at the venue of the town hall meeting, President Tinubu promised that his government would not allow the continued wanton attacks against innocent civilians in Plateau.

The President said ‘This will not repeat itself. The best solution is simply to be just-the kind of justice that people like us grow up knowing. I can’t understand why the past is not a source of lessons for us. I’m listening to them. I’ve listened to one, I’ve listened to another, and I’ve listened to the Governor, you and I were elected on the promise of peace and prosperity, to come together and create a community that lifts up widows.

However, after the President’s visit, attacks and killings continued in various communities. Many youths said the President’s visit had not changed the security situation in the state.

Daily Trust reports that since the visit, 60 people, including women, were killed and several cattle were killed.

Timelines of attacks, killings

On April 5 and 6, no fewer than four people, including three farmers and a herder, were killed in a string of attacks in separate communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas of the state.

According to the leadership of Berom Youth Moulders Association and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the farmers were killed Sunday night in Pwomol village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi LGA, while the herder was killed Monday morning in Jol community of Riyom LGA.

Rwang Tengwong, BYM spokesperson, narrated that the attack targeted vigilante youths keeping watch over the village, adding that one other person sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Recounting the death of their member, the state chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said the deceased was ambushed alongside his younger brother, but the young man escaped. They gunned him down.

On April 7, gunmen ambushed and killed a 300-level university student in Dum Village, Bachi District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attackers, who were reportedly positioned themselves at the entrance of the village, opened fire on two young men from the community but one escaped.

Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the incident identified the victim was identified as Badung Sunday Alamba, a 29-year-old 300-level student of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin.

On April 8, Tengwong also confirmed that gunmen attacked miners at a mining site in Kok village, Ropp District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, killing one person on the spot.

On the same day, gunmen struck Chenye village in Bachi District of Riyom Local Government Area, killing another person.

On April 9, at least eight people were killed and four others injured on Thursday night in another attack in Vole community, Kwatas district of Bokkos local government area of Plateau state.

Confirming the attack Chairman of Plateau Youth Council (PYC) in Bokkos, Dakol James, said the attack occurred between 8 and 9 pm. The PYC chairman condemned the incident and called on the government to intervene and bring an end to what he described as tragic.

On April 11, the Plateau state chapter of MACBAN said gunmen attacked herders on Saturday afternoon, killing five cattle and leaving three missing around Izovo community, Miango district of Bassa local government area of Plateau state.

Ibrahim Yusus Babayo, state chairman of the group, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers opened fire while herders were grazing the cattle.

On April 12, MACBAN said gunmen attacked herders in Izovo community, Miango district of Bassa local government area of Plateau state, killing a herder, and five cattle, and rustling 15 others.

On April 19 , National Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong confirmed that at least six farmers were killed while eight others were injured on Sunday night following two separate attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

On April 26, gunmen attacked herders on Sunday in Diyan village, Riyom District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a herder and shooting 21 cattle.

On April 27, gunmen attacked Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a pastor and three members of his family.

On May 4, at least five farmers were killed in a fresh attack in Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

On May 6, gunmen attacked herders on Tuesday in Jol community of Jol Ward of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State , killing six cattle in the area.

On April 6, at least three herders were killed and five others were injured on in separate attacks in communities of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

On May 7, 13 farmers killed and many others injured when gunmen attacked Ngbra Zongo community of Kwall District, in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.

On May 9, at least three herders were killed and several others injured in separate attacks in Kopk and Sabon Layi communities of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

On Same May 9, at least eight farmers were killed and six others injured when gunmen attacked Sabon Layi, Gangare and Gana Ropp and Rakung communities of Barkin Ladi LGA of the state.

On April 9, at least two farmers were killed and 21 cattle were shot dead on Sunday in separate attacks in Riyom and Jos South LGAs.

President statement is political, not yielding results

The farming and herding communities described the President’s statement as political considering that attacks continue even after his promise.

Rwang Tengwong, the spokesperson of Berom Youth Moulders- Association said President Tinubu’s statement during the visit had not improved security in the state.

‘To us at BYM, Mr President’s promise to end the killings has ended in a statement because even day he came, there was an attack. Since the very day he left, I think there has been not a single day that we will wake up without attack. The number of killed since Mr President left, we have lost over 30 persons which has outnumbered the people that were killed in Anguwan Rukuba.

‘So, it is just a statement. We have not seen the real dynamics or things changing in terms of security in Plateau state rather, things getting worse. This is because you can hear of an attack in broad daylight. People being ambushed as early as 7am. You can hear of people being killed as at 4:pm. Where did the attackers follow to lunch the attack. One of the attacks was launched around the Highway, where did the attackers follow considering that there are checkpoints before the attackers carry out the attacks and where did they vanish to?

‘If we are really sincere about dealing with this issues, we will be looking at where these attacks are coming from and see how we are going to address it. We cannot just wake and hear so so community were attacked and people killed and didn’t trace where the attackers came from. Tomorrow you will hear another community is attacked and you cannot make trace, ‘ he added.

Tengwong noted that attacks started in Plateau since 2004 and over 20 years you cannot trace the root cause of it.

He said ‘for us, it is a political statement because for more than a week now, the security situation has not improved. Lives are being lost. I may be right or wrong, some of our leaders are playing politics with this issue of insecurity because it does affect their family members directly. As a President of for example and you have only one child, if that child is killed, how will you take it? What measures will you put to correct it?

The BYM spokesperson said leaders need to go just beyond statement and match their statements with action to bring an end to killing.

President statement alone cannot solve the problem –

According to the state chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, though the visit was a welcome development, the statement is political being a democratic leader.

He said politicians often make such statement without fulfillment but believe that the President’s statement alone cannot solve the problem unless all hands are put on deck.

‘The visit has not yielded any result because the statement alone cannot provide solutions unless all parties agree to live peacefully. No matter the amount of effort by the president, government officials, religious and community leaders as well as groups must make commitments to peace to achieve the desired goal.

‘People cannot move wherever they want. Attacks are everywhere you. These problems must be addressed within and not outside. Of course, the President has his role in ensuring peace, it must be collaborative. Even if the President will come more than 100, times , if we people are not committed to peace, there problem cannot be solved, he added.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State says there is no leadership crisis within the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), insisting that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State remains the chairman of the forum.

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ýThe PGF serves as a platform for governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to coordinate policy positions and strengthen political cooperation within the ruling party.

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ýSani, who is the Vice Chairman of the forum, said the disagreement that recently rocked the platform of governors elected on the platform of the ruling APC was only a ‘slight misunderstanding’ that had been resolved.

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ýThe Kaduna governor spoke on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

ýHis comments followed reports last week that Uzodimma had allegedly been removed as chairman of the PGF and replaced by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State after a tense meeting in Abuja.

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ýThe reports had also suggested that the forum had split into rival camps, with one faction backing Uzodimma while another was said to be aligned with Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State.

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The development sparked speculation over possible divisions within the APC governors’ bloc, with President Bola Tinubu reportedly intervening to calm tensions among party stakeholders.

ýHowever, Sani said there was no leadership change in the forum and maintained that all governors had reunited.

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ý’In my own opinion, I don’t think it’s a serious issue, like many people try to make it look like it’s a very serious issue,’ he said.

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ý’Because, you know, in everything we are talking about democracy, people can choose to disagree and agree. So, in my own opinion, it was just a slight misunderstanding.

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ý’At the moment, there’s no problem. All the governors are together. His Excellency Hope Uzodimma is the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum. My humble self, Senator Uba Sani, is the vice chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,’ he added.

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ýSani stated that the disagreement had been fully resolved and would no longer generate controversy.

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ý’I don’t think you will hear anything again. I can assure you, nothing will ever – you can’t hear anything again,’ he said.

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Asked specifically about the disagreement within the forum, the Kaduna governor described it as a normal occurrence in democratic politics.

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‘It’s normal to disagree. But like I said, my point is clear. You will never hear anything. It’s just a slight disagreement, not a serious issue, but a slight disagreement. But it has been resolved,’ he said.

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ýThe governor also argued that if there had truly been a change in leadership, he would have automatically assumed office as chairman in his capacity as deputy chairman of the forum.

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ý’And of course, if there’s any change of leadership sitting here as the vice chairman, I could have taken over. But I can tell you, you see, I was there. And I was the one who made that statement, clear that we are united. Everything is okay,’ Sani noted.

Though the trend has been that governors who are completing their second terms run for Senate seats, the eagerness shown by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State to return to the Red Chamber of the National Assembly has remained unrivaled.

The governor who obtained forms to contest the Imo West Senatorial District appeared for screening before the committee over the weekend.

With that he becomes the only governor whose tenure is not ending in May 2027 but is already neck deep into seeking another elective office.

Unlike his colleague second term governors like Mai Mala Buni, Dapo Abiodun, Abdullahi Sule whose tenure expire May 29, 2027, etc Uzodinma’s current term as governor runs till January 15, 2028 as Imo falls within the circle of states that have their governorship election off the general season.

Analysts say what it means is that if he wins in the January 2027 elections, he’ll have to quit Imo Government House in June of the same year when the 11th Senate would be inaugurated which is a clear six months to when his tenure as governor would end.

Our correspondents observe that this would be the first time in the current dispensation that a governor would forfeit a part of his tenure in order to run for another one.

Analysts recall that the only incident close to that was when then governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu vacated his seat four days before the official winding up of his tenure to swear in he successor, Theodore Orji.

What others interested in vying for other positions have been doing ahead our correspondents note, was to place what they call a place holder, who will occupy the seat until their tenures expire, then such persons would resign from the seat to pave the way for their elections.

Why the interest

Analysts say the Imo Governor may have chosen a different path not just because the other route is longer but because he is eyeing the presidency of the 11th Senate.

The calculation out there is that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wins the 2027 elections for a second term, it is likely that that seat of the Senate President would go either to the South South or South East due to the fact that both the President and the Vice President are Muslims and would be expected to choose the number three person from a predominantly christian zone.

But the question is, what must have assured the governor that he would be elected Senate when the current one, Godswill Akpabio is also interested in returning to the seat?

A source who does not want to named told our correspondent that since David Mark has set a precedence by returning to the Senate to continue as President of the Senate in 2011, Akpabio, given his closeness to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would want to replicate same.

Presidency sources however indicate that having shown more than an average enthusiasm in the Tinubu re-election project, Uzondinma is seen as more aggressive in handling political issues.

‘He is a two time senator and has experience and his presence would give the Southeast a sense of belonging’ a source told our correspondent.

The Imo governor for instance is the Director-General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), an organization specifically for the promotion of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He is also the chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum where he presides over the meeting of 30 of his colleague governors in the same party.

Meanwhile efforts to get the reaction of the Presidency on the development was not successful, as Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy could not be reached for comment.

Also, Dr Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications’ phone was not unreachable.

Uzodinma represented the Imo West Senatorial District from 2011 to 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The obstacles before the governor

In a move believed to be designed to stop Uzodinma from contesting the Senate Presidency, the Senate last week attempted to modify Order 4 and 5 to of its rules to provide that only senators who served the immediate preceding term could contest for principal offices. It was however reversed following intense criticisms..

In another move believed to be aimed at clipping his wings, some APC governors attempted to remove him as chairman of the PGF.

Director-General of the forum, Folorunso Aluko, in a statement on Friday, said the reports of Uzodinma’s removal were fake and misleading.

‘Why I’m going to the Senate’

The Governor explained that his decision to contest the seat is to serve his people and President Tinubu.

He stated on his X handle shortly after screening that, ‘My dear people of Imo West Senatorial District have once again called upon me to serve, and I have accepted this noble call with utmost humility, sincerity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to the collective advancement of our people,’ he wrote.

‘During the engagement, I reaffirmed that the Senatorial seat I seek to occupy belongs first and foremost to our great party, while I remain only a loyal and dedicated candidate entrusted with the responsibility of projecting and advancing the ideals, vision, and aspirations of the APC to the very best of my ability,’ he stated.

He added that his aspiration was inspired by the desire to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration through ‘quality representation, effective legislation, enhanced development, and sustainable progress.’

No constitutional barrier to Uzodinma’s Senate ambition – Constitutional lawyer

A Kano-based constitutional lawyer, Barrister Umar Usman Danbaito, said Nigeria’s presidential system of government does not permit an individual to simultaneously occupy executive and legislative positions.

He stressed that while Governor Uzodinma has the constitutional right to contest for a Senate seat, he cannot hold both offices at the same time.

On whether the move raises constitutional concerns, Danbaito was categorical: ‘Legally speaking, there is no problem. If immediately after his election, before swearing in, he resigns as governor, there is no constitutional impediment against that.’

However, he raised questions about the moral dimension of such a decision. According to him, governors should not use their incumbency to edge out party members or deny them opportunities to contest.

‘Morally speaking, the executive governor should allow his subjects to contest other elections. He should not be seen using his power to the detriment of his party members,’ he argued.

Danbaito lamented that Nigerian politicians often prioritize personal ambition over collective interest.

Another commentator Salman Jawondo a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said there is no legal barrier stopping a sitting governor from contesting for a Senate seat while still in office.

Jawondo said the Nigerian Constitution does not prohibit elected office holders from seeking another elective position before the expiration of their tenure, stressing that issues surrounding such moves are more moral than legal.

‘No, they cannot stand as a voter or be voted for at the primaries of a political party. That’s what the law says for appointed officials. But elected people are different,’ he said.

He explained that governors contesting for Senate seats are in a similar position to governors seeking re-election or other elective offices, noting that they are not required to resign before participating in elections.

The senior lawyer further explained that a governor only forfeits his office after taking the oath of office for another position, adding that until then, such a governor legally retains his seat.

‘You know one thing, he will not even resign until he takes the oath of office for another office. It is only when he is sworn in at the Senate level that he forfeits his seat as governor,’ he said.

Jawondo, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kwara State, added that a governor seeking to become Senate President even has a strategic advantage because the election of presiding officers of the National Assembly takes place immediately after inauguration.

‘If he gets elected as Senate President, he is then sworn in as senator and Senate President. That is when he forfeits his seat as governor. But if he does not get elected as Senate President, he can still return to his seat as governor,’ he explained.

Drawing from past political developments, the former attorney general referenced the case of former Senator Udoma Udo Udoma during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, saying the former lawmaker underwent ministerial screening but declined to take the oath of office after reportedly being dissatisfied with the portfolio assigned to him.

On the moral implications of governors seeking legislative offices immediately after serving in executive positions, Jawondo said the trend reflects the deeper crisis within Nigeria’s political culture, where public office is increasingly viewed as a means of personal survival rather than public service.

The Nigerian Medical Association has announced a change in its leadership, stating that Dr. B.K.S. Saheed is no longer the chairman of the association’s Lagos chapter.

In a statement issued on Monday, the association said the decision was taken during an Emergency General Meeting held on April 18, 2026, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos.

According to the statement, members of the Congress of the association resolved that Saheed should cease to hold office following deliberations on issues brought before the meeting.

The association said the decision was reached through procedures conducted in line with its constitution and regulations.

It added that Saheed no longer has the mandate to act or represent the Lagos branch of the association in any official capacity.

The association also advised institutions, stakeholders, government agencies, and members of the public to direct official engagements concerning the Lagos branch to the current leadership.

It announced that Dr. Ewonowo Temidire Sunday, who previously served as the First Vice Chairman, has assumed office as chairman in accordance with the association’s rules.

The new leadership reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and professional interests of doctors in Lagos State.

The association said it was engaging relevant authorities on issues affecting members, including concerns over the harassment and assault of doctors in some health facilities.

It condemned violence against healthcare workers and pledged support for affected members while seeking measures to prevent similar incidents.

The statement also noted that discussions were ongoing with relevant institutions over salary delays and unpaid entitlements affecting doctors in some centres across the state.

It added that engagements were underway to address the concerns and improve members’ welfare.

The statement was signed by Sunday and the association’s secretary, Dr. O.J. Hassan.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, was on Saturday briefly disrupted while declaring his fifth-term bid in Zaria, Kaduna State, when an unidentified man attempted to pull his agbada on the podium.

In a now-deleted video posted on Facebook, the man was seen grabbing the Speaker’s attire as he addressed supporters.

Abbas briefly lost his balance but quickly regained composure and continued his speech.

The clip had attracted several views before it was taken down.

The incident occurred at the Mallawa Eid Ground, where Abbas formally announced his intention to seek a fifth term in the House of Representatives.

Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker’s media aide, could not be reached for comment.

However, a source close to the Speaker said the incident was not an attack but an attempt by the individual to seek the Speaker’s attention over a medical condition.

‘The person involved is ill and was only trying to draw the Speaker’s attention to seek assistance for his health condition. In fact, his hands are swollen.

‘If you observe the video carefully, he first raised his hands before grabbing the Speaker’s agbada.

‘Unfortunately, some people are trying to turn it into propaganda. They deliberately edited the video to show only the moment the man grabbed the Speaker’s cloth in order to give it a different meaning,’ the source said.

Daily Trust reports that Abbas was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2011.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker said his representation had attracted development projects to Zaria Federal Constituency.

‘Today, I formally declare my intention to seek another mandate to represent the good people of Zaria Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

‘This declaration is not based on promises alone. It is based on work. It is based on results. It is based on a record that our people can see and verify,’ he said.

Abbas also described himself as ‘one of the most active lawmakers in the country,’ noting that he had sponsored 74 bills, 21 of which were signed into law.

‘These were not efforts designed for publicity. They were aimed at solving problems and strengthening governance,’ he said.

Nigeria’s aviation sector has entered a new phase following the landmark resolution of the long-running dispute between the Federal Government and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2).

The dispute, which lingered for decades and became one of the most controversial public-private partnership battles in Nigeria’s aviation industry, was finally resolved through negotiations led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN and backed by the Federal Executive Council.

As part of the settlement, Bi-Courtney agreed to forgo a reported N132 billion Supreme Court judgment debt and relinquished its exclusivity rights over domestic terminal operations in Lagos.

In return, the Federal Government restored the company’s rights to complete and operate its abandoned hotel and conference centre project opposite MMA2 under a revenue-sharing arrangement.

Daily Trust reports that the hotel and conference centre project was a major casualty of the endless battle between the BASL and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

However, with the new agreement, it was learnt that the BASL after completing the project would operate it for 40 years before handing it over to the federal government.

Speaking on the agreement, Keyamo explained that the government could not allow complete control of domestic aviation operations in Lagos to remain in private hands, especially given the strategic and security importance of the airport.

He disclosed that Bi-Courtney accepted the government’s position and agreed to hand back the domestic airport operations while also dropping the exclusivity clause.

The Federal Government, on its part, approved the continuation of the hotel and conference centre project and granted the company 24 months to complete it. Under the arrangement, both parties will share revenues generated from the project and MMA2 operations.

Speaking on the agreement, Keyamo said, ‘So Babalaki wrote off the N132 billion outright. The local airports, that is the MM1, I told him, ‘hand it back to the federal government.’ We cannot leave the entire operations of aviation, local operations in Lagos, which is our heartbeat to a private individual.

‘The government has to have some kind of control. He agreed with us and he handed over that local airport back to the federal government. The issue of exclusivity, we also told him that, look, it is not right, even for security reasons, for you to have complete control over the domestic market in Lagos.

‘He agreed. That exclusivity clause, we removed it. On the other hand, what did we give to him? The hotel and conference centre, we gave it back to him. It’s okay. Complete and run it on a shared basis with the federal government. So it’s not even exclusive.

‘We are still going to benefit from that with the federal government. He has 24 months, under the new agreement, to complete that conference centre and hotel, opposite the MM2, and run it within 24 months, and we told him we will not tolerate any delay again. Let us have a proper hotel, which will also benefit the entire aerotropolis around there.

‘These were the concessions made by Courtney. Now with this agreement, immediately after today, the federal government will now begin to earn its own share from the operations of MM2. So at the end of the day, it was a very good deal for everybody. It was back and forth, you know, give and take and give and take.’

However, mixed reactions have continued to trail the public declaration by the Minister amidst silence from Bi-Courtney which is at the centre of the concession row.

Aviation analyst and former general secretary of Aviation Roundtable, Group Capt. John Ojikutu, rtd, said, ‘I am very concerned , and so should stakeholders be on this matter that had dragged on for almost two decades.’

‘But, it is getting to two weeks after the Minister’s gospel talk, we have not heard from Babalakin or his company, Bi-Courtney on a matter that I believe needs the Supreme Court’s endorsement of any agreements – between the two- against it judgement especially knowing that the two – Keyamo and Babalakin – are SANs.

‘What the successive administrations have done to Bi-Courtney is not different from what they have done, probably still doing to Dangote since the Obasanjo administration left. Note that Sirika (immediate past Minister Hadi Sirika) walked on the same path and did not work.

Designating the Terminal for WA Regional Passengers is not a new innovation by this administration but was already a part of the terminal at inception and completion.’

Immediate past General Secretary of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Olayinka Abioye, described the resolution as a welcome development, commending the Ministry of Aviation, FAAN and Bi-Courtney for finding common ground after years of hostility.

According to him, the next challenge is ensuring that MMA2 is properly restructured to handle regional operations seamlessly.

He noted that the terminal would require operational upgrades, improved passenger facilitation systems and closer coordination between the terminal operator, airlines and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

Abioye also warned against excessive charges on airlines and passengers, stressing that aviation investments require patience and long-term planning rather than aggressive profiteering. He welcomed ongoing plans by the government to review aviation taxes and levies, saying such reforms could reduce operational pressure on airlines.

Another concern raised was traffic congestion around MMA2, particularly during peak morning hours. Abioye observed that existing gridlock around the terminal could worsen once regional and domestic flights begin operating simultaneously unless urgent traffic management measures are introduced by BASL and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

He further emphasized the need for staff retraining, noting that managing regional operations demands higher standards of passenger handling, security coordination and operational efficiency.

He said, ‘Some of us suffered because of these matters, but to the glory of God, we are alive to see the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration resolve the entire controversy.

‘First and foremost, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, we have also to come back again and look at the entire terminal and structure it in such a way that regional travellers will have seamless facilitation within that terminal. I know that Bi-Courtney has the capacity to do this.’

The Zamfara State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local government leadership for inclusive development and social protection delivery.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Engr. Ahmad Garba Yandi, stated this during a stakeholder engagement organised by the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in Abuja.

Yandi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Yakubu Sanusi Yari, led Zamfara local government chairmen to the event held at the Transcorp Congress Hall.

The engagement brought together representatives of federal and state governments, local government officials, development partners and social protection agencies from across the country.

NASSCO, a federal agency under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is responsible for implementing social safety-net programmes for vulnerable groups.

The ministry said the state government remained committed to improving grassroots governance and strengthening collaboration for effective social protection delivery.

The Sokoto State Government and Sightsavers Nigeria have intensified efforts to curb child mortality and improve immunisation coverage following the recent meningitis outbreak that claimed the lives of 33 children in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Abubakar-Wurno, disclosed the figure during separate engagements with traditional rulers and local government chairmen ahead of the May 12 statewide vaccination and azithromycin administration campaign.

The intervention, being implemented under the Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin on Children in Nigeria (SARMAAN) project, targets about 1.2 million children aged between zero and 59 months across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Speaking during a media orientation in Sokoto at the weekend, the Director of Advocacy at the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA), Mr Kamaru Gada, appealed to media practitioners to support sustained sensitisation on immunisation, tetanus prevention and administration of azithromycin to eligible children.

He said the state recorded over 90 per cent coverage during the last round of the exercise, expressing optimism that wider community mobilisation and media support would help sustain the gains and reduce childhood deaths linked to preventable diseases.

Sightsavers Programme Officer, Mr Olayinka Lawal, said the SARMAAN project aligned with global efforts to improve child survival outcomes in low and middle-income countries through bi-annual administration of azithromycin.

He added that the programme particularly supports communities affected by neglected tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis, among others.

At a separate engagement with 87 district heads and local government chairmen, Sightsavers State Team Lead, Mr Muhammad Ridwan, said traditional institutions and council authorities remained critical to achieving community acceptance and effective coordination of the programme.

He noted that previous rounds of the intervention recorded significant success with minimal resistance, urging district heads and council chairmen to cascade awareness campaigns to ward and village levels to strengthen participation.

Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, represented by the District Head of Wurno, Alhaji Kabiru Cigari, assured continued support for immunisation campaigns and other public health interventions, stressing that the fight against meningitis, tetanus and other childhood diseases required collective action from government, traditional institutions, health workers and the media.