Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) is a major haulage group operating in and out of the Apapa and Tin-Can Ports in Lagos. In this interview with newsmen, the General Secretary of AMATO, Alhaji Sani Bala Muhammed, speaks on the state of truck transit parks around Lagos ports, abuse of the electronic call-up system, the need for modern truck marshalling yards, and why port corridor congestion persists. TOLA ADENUBI brings the excerpts.

What is the current status of truck transit parks serving the Apapa and Tin-Can ports?

We have several truck transit parks linked to the electronic call-up system. These are the facilities where trucks are arranged, programmed, and released into the ports on a first-come, first-served basis. There are many of them spread across Apapa and Tin Can Port corridors. Some are public while others are privately owned. Examples of public parks include Lillypond Truck Transit Park, Tincan-approved parks and other facilities connected to the call-up system. Some are located within the port environment, while others are situated farther away.

Despite the cleanup of the port corridors, why are some truckers still avoiding the transit parks?

The major reason is the loopholes that currently exist within the call-up system’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Some people are able to obtain what we call direct or express call-ups, which allow them to access the ports without passing through the normal process of entering the transit park, proceeding to the pre-gate, and then waiting for their turn. What happens is that some individuals generate these direct call-ups and sell them to the highest bidders. Those who buy them gain immediate access to the ports. When truckers who are following the approved procedure spend one or two weeks waiting in transit parks and pre-gates, only to see others bypass the process, they become discouraged. Many then decide to stop using the transit parks and instead seek these direct call-ups. That is one of the major reasons some truckers are boycotting the approved process.

There have been discussions about establishing modern truck transit parks with rest facilities for drivers. What progress has been made?

AMATO has been actively involved in that project and we are still pursuing it. We are working closely with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy through the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to accelerate the acquisition of 15 truck marshalling yards. The proposal is for government to acquire the land and establish proper truck marshalling facilities capable of accommodating large numbers of trucks.

How will the truck marshalling yards improve traffic management?

They will significantly reduce indiscriminate parking along the port corridors. Currently, before some trucks are allowed into the pre-gates, they often wait along the roads. Tankers and cargo trucks can be seen occupying different sections of the corridor. A properly developed truck marshalling yard would absorb these trucks. Instead of parking on roadsides and unauthorised locations, they would remain within designated facilities until called forward. This would free up the roads and improve traffic flow significantly.

Will tanker operators also be integrated into this arrangement?

Yes. There are ongoing plans to onboard tanker operators into the call-up framework. The objective is to ensure that tankers also operate on a booking system where they enter approved parks and only proceed to their assigned depots when called. This would eliminate the current practice of tankers parking indiscriminately along major roads while waiting to access depots.

Why is it important to bring tanker operators into the call-up system?

The current situation creates serious traffic challenges. Many tankers park along roads leading to depots, forming double and sometimes triple lanes. This obstructs traffic, inconveniences other road users and contributes significantly to gridlock. Beyond traffic concerns, it also affects port operations because trucks that need to access the ports cannot move freely due to these obstructions. Integrating tanker operators into the call-up system would ensure orderly movement and improve overall traffic management.

Do tanker operators currently have dedicated truck parks?

Very few. The major one I am aware of is the facility located under Marine Bridge. Beyond that, there are limited dedicated facilities for tanker operations. That is why efforts are being made to bring them into a structured parking and scheduling arrangement.

Some truck parks have been established in areas such as Lekki, yet operators are not fully utilising them. Why?

The process of bringing all stakeholders into the system is still ongoing. There is a need for continuous engagement and enforcement to ensure compliance. As more operators are onboarded and the system becomes more transparent, utilisation of approved truck parks will improve.

What recommendations would you give for the effective utilisation of truck transit parks in the country?

The existing transit parks are largely inadequate. What we need is a large-scale truck marshalling yard system that can accommodate more trucks and improve coordination. However, even if we establish all 15 proposed marshalling yards, the problem will persist if the loopholes within the call-up system are not addressed. The key issue is compliance with the Standard Operating Procedure. If people continue to abuse the system and obtain direct call-ups outside the approved process, trucks will continue to gather along the port corridors waiting for opportunities to bypass the queue. But if the SOP is strictly enforced and everyone follows the same process, there will be no need for trucks to park on roads waiting for call-ups.

Recently, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) carried out interventions that helped clear the Lagos port corridors. Why do you think the efforts are now futile due to the resurgence of traffic congestion around the ports?

Following the intervention and clean-up operations, some of the checkpoints along the port corridors were dismantled. However, we later observed that certain practices that contribute to congestion gradually began resurfacing, which necessitated further monitoring and enforcement efforts. There were concerns that some checkpoints and activities capable of creating artificial bottlenecks could undermine the gains already achieved. Such situations can contribute to delays in cargo evacuation, increase truck turnaround time, and ultimately affect the efficiency of port operations. As an association, our responsibility is to report observations and concerns to the appropriate authorities for necessary action. We have continued to escalate such issues whenever they arise. It is important to note that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), following the PEBEC intervention, has continued with follow-up enforcement operations to sustain the gains achieved during the corridor clean-up exercise. Similarly, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of the Maritime Command has also been actively involved in monitoring activities along the port corridors. The authorities regularly carry out inspections to ensure that unauthorised checkpoints do not re-emerge and that stakeholders comply with established procedures.

So, it is safe to believe that the resurgence of traffic is linked solely to checkpoints and compromised Standard Operating Procedure?

While unauthorised checkpoints can contribute to delays, the bigger issue remains compliance with the port access Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). As long as loopholes exist that allow some operators to bypass the approved call-up process, congestion will persist. To achieve lasting sanity on the port corridors, all stakeholders must comply with the established procedures, and enforcement agencies must ensure that no individual or group is allowed to circumvent the system. That is the only way to sustain the gains recorded after the PEBEC intervention and prevent a return to the era of severe gridlock around the ports.

The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Dr Sonny Echono, has identified corruption, nepotism, and political interference as major obstacles to effective governance in public universities in Nigeria.

He warned that the growing influence of non-merit factors in the appointment of vice chancellors is undermining academic excellence and institutional development.

Echono stated this while presenting findings from his doctoral research titled ‘Leadership Selection Process and Governance of Federal Universities in Nigeria (1993-2024)’ during a public lecture held at the University of Abuja.

The study, conducted over three years across 20 federal universities in the country’s six geopolitical zones, examined the relationship between leadership selection processes and governance outcomes in higher institutions.

According to Echono, the research established a strong positive correlation between transparent, inclusive leadership selection and effective university governance.

He noted that institutions that prioritise accountability, stakeholder engagement, and merit-based appointments tend to achieve better governance outcomes, improved institutional stability, and enhanced academic performance.

‘The research clearly demonstrates that transparent and inclusive leadership selection processes are critical to effective governance in our federal universities. Institutions that prioritise accountability and stakeholder engagement consistently record better governance outcomes and stronger institutional stability,’ he said.

He, however, lamented that political interference, nepotism, and corruption continue to compromise the integrity of leadership appointments in universities, thereby weakening governance structures and limiting institutional progress.

‘Political interference, nepotism, and corruption remain among the greatest threats to good governance in our universities. When leadership appointments are influenced by factors other than merit and competence, the entire institution suffers,’ Echono stated.

The TETFund boss recalled that Nigerian universities once operated a more competitive and merit-driven system where vice-chancellors were often appointed outside their states of origin, a practice that promoted national integration and reduced ethnic considerations.

He expressed concern that the increasing localisation of vice-chancellor appointments and preference for candidates with political connections have narrowed the pool of qualified candidates and weakened university autonomy.

Echono further noted that leaders who emerge through credible and transparent selection processes are more likely to promote research productivity, innovation, sound financial management, and collaboration among scholars.

The study also found that federal universities that actively engage stakeholders, including students, academic staff, alumni, and host communities, in leadership selection demonstrate stronger accountability, greater public trust, and improved governance effectiveness.

To address the challenges identified, Echono recommended the development and enforcement of clear, standardised guidelines for leadership appointments across federal universities.

He said such guidelines should clearly outline appointment procedures, qualification requirements, and mechanisms for stakeholder participation.

He also called for greater stakeholder involvement through the establishment of inclusive search committees comprising representatives of faculty, students, alumni, and industry stakeholders.

According to him, leadership vacancies should be publicly advertised, while technology-driven platforms such as online application systems, electronic voting mechanisms, virtual town hall meetings, and digital archiving should be adopted to enhance transparency and accountability.

The TETFund Executive Secretary further advocated regular independent audits of leadership selection exercises and effective feedback mechanisms that would enable stakeholders to report concerns and grievances.

‘Accountability must remain at the heart of university governance. Regular audits and credible feedback mechanisms are essential safeguards against abuse, manipulation, and violations of established procedures,’ he said.

Echono expressed confidence that implementing the recommendations would strengthen governance structures, improve educational outcomes, and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s higher education system.

Earlier, the vice chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, stressed the need for merit-based leadership and institutional reforms in Nigerian universities.

He cautioned that the increasing politicisation of vice-chancellor appointments by some governing councils poses a serious threat to university autonomy and effective governance.

Also speaking, the director of the Abuja Leadership Centre, Professor Abdulhamid Ozohu-Suleiman, said the centre was established by TETFund to promote leadership excellence and strengthen governance culture in the country.

National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party has dismissed Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s claim that the party is ‘dead,’ insisting instead that it is growing stronger and expanding its national support base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued late Wednesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the PDP said recent political developments showed that the party was attracting influential figures and consolidating its position across the country.

Akpabio had made the remark in Abuja during the inauguration of projects executed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, where he described the PDP as a ‘dead’ political party and urged Wike to ‘allow what is dead to remain dead.’

Responding, the PDP argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress could not celebrate projects delivered by a minister it described as being ‘on political loan’ from the PDP while simultaneously declaring the opposition party irrelevant.

‘The growing momentum around our great party is visible and undeniable,’ the statement read.

The party cited what it described as the decision of Iyabo Obasanjo to identify with the PDP, the entry of Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami into the party, its victory in the Adamawa State local government elections, its success in the Rivers State Senate bye-election, and the influx of political leaders from Katsina, Jigawa, Imo, Oyo, and other states as evidence of its growing strength.

According to the PDP, ‘These developments stand in sharp contrast to the claim by the President of the Senate… that the PDP is ‘dead.”

The opposition party further argued that Wike’s performance in the Federal Capital Territory demonstrated the calibre of leaders the PDP had produced over the years.

‘A proud PDP member remains the most outstanding and best-performing minister in this administration. If anything, the occasion was a celebration of the competence, capacity and leadership that the PDP has consistently produced over the years,’ the statement said.

The party added that the APC’s comments reflected growing anxiety over the PDP’s rebuilding efforts and increasing public support.

‘We understand the anxiety within the ruling party over the growing momentum of the PDP as it consolidates internally, expands its support base and reconnects with Nigerians across the country,’ it said.

The PDP also commended Wike for delivering infrastructure and public services in the FCT, saying his performance reflected the party’s longstanding tradition of competence and effective governance.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been ranked among the top three best-performing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government in the 2026 Public Service Reforms Performance Assessment conducted by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR).

In the Public Service Reforms Performance Assessment, the commission was ranked third overall, following a comprehensive evaluation across key reform indicators, including the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT), Freedom of Information (FOI) Compliance Score, Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Index, and official website performance metrics.

In the ranking, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) came first and second, respectively.

The institutional ranking, conducted across all MDAs of the Federal Government, recognises those that have distinguished themselves in advancing public service reforms and delivering excellence in service.

Aside from the institutional awards, 20 individuals across federal, state and local levels received various distinguished public service excellence and leadership awards, for their sterling performance in public service, including the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs. Adejoke Adefulire, among others.

Representing the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, at the award ceremony in Abuja, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Mr Abraham Oshadami, spoke on behalf of the NCC and other awardees, expressing appreciation to the Bureau for sustaining the annual assessment framework.

‘First; on behalf of all awardees, and second, on behalf of the Board, Management, and staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission, we thank the Bureau for these recognitions. For us at NCC, this recognition acknowledges our ongoing reform efforts and underscores the need to sustain them,’ he said.

He stated that the BPSR recognition served as a motivation for MDAs to strengthen their commitment to service delivery, noting that, for the NCC, the award also served as an affirmation that its reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the sector were yielding greater public acceptance and positive recognition.

‘For our telecommunications consumers, this recognition reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen service quality, transparency, and responsiveness across the sector. The assessment outcome also reinforces the importance of maintaining standards that support improved customer experience and greater confidence in telecom services nationwide,’ he said.

Oshadami restated the Commission’s commitment to applying regulatory tools and innovative approaches towards supporting measurable improvements in service quality and consumer protection across Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

The Commission has, over the past two years, introduced far-reaching reforms to promote transparency and accountability in the telecommunications sector. These include the introduction of the National Coverage Map, which provides near-real-time information on the performance and availability of operators’ networks across the country, as well as the publication of Quarterly Network Performance Reports, which provide detailed assessments of network performance nationwide.

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s food security by embarking on the inspection of fertiliser production and blending facilities across the country, declaring that increased local production remained central to reducing dependence on imports, lowering production costs and boosting agricultural productivity.

The inspection exercise, led by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Communications, Engagement and New Media Strategy, O’tega Ogra, has taken the presidential fact-finding delegation to major fertiliser production and blending plants in Lagos, Kaduna, Rivers and other states participating in the restructured Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

The tour is aimed at assessing production capacity, quality control measures, operational efficiency and the impact of the Federal Government’s intervention on making quality fertiliser available and affordable to Nigerian farmers.

Speaking during the inspection in Kaduna, Ogra said local fertiliser production had become a strategic national priority, particularly at a time when global supply chains continue to face disruptions arising from geopolitical tensions and rising input costs.

According to Ogra, Nigeria possesses abundant raw materials required for fertiliser production and must continue to maximise local capacity to guarantee sustainable food production, adding that if the material is locally produced with proper quality control, the standard of farming would improve, crop yields would increase and, thereby ‘strengthen food security and food sovereignty in our country.’

‘When we have about 80 per cent of the raw materials in Nigeria and can produce fertilisers, why import them? If we have locally produced fertilisers with proper quality control, the standard of farming will improve, crop yields will increase and we will strengthen food security and food sovereignty in our country,’ he said.

Speaking further, Ogra noted that the Federal Government’s investment in local fertiliser production is designed not only to protect farmers from fluctuations in global prices but also to improve agricultural output, create jobs and deepen industrial development.

At OCP Africa’s Kaduna Blending Plant, the delegation inspected the company’s specialised blending process, where fertilisers are produced according to the nutrient requirements of specific crops and soil conditions rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

The general manager of the plant, Peter Amahwe, said quality assurance was critical to protecting the investments of Nigerian farmers.

‘At the end of the day, what is key is that when the farmer is paying for these nutrients, he knows that the nutrients he is paying for are exactly what he is getting. The labour, seeds and every other investment depend on that quality. If the fertiliser is compromised, the farmer’s entire production plan is affected,’ he said.

According to him, OCP Africa conducts extensive laboratory analysis to develop customised fertiliser blends for crops, including maize, rice, cocoa, ginger and several other agricultural commodities cultivated across the country.

The inspection team also visited Barbedos Fertilizers and Blending Company Limited in Kaduna, where officials toured a facility with a blending capacity of about 90 metric tonnes per hour.

The company’s production manager, Nasser Ismail, said local blending had significantly reduced production costs while creating employment opportunities for Nigerians.

‘Our primary objective is to produce high-quality fertiliser blends specifically tailored to meet the distinct soil and crop requirements of Nigerian farmers. By blending locally, we are reducing costs, creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for young people and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,’ he stated.

Ismail added that the company deploys moisture-resistant BOPP-coated packaging to preserve fertiliser quality from production through transportation to farms across the country.

The Federal Government has continued to reposition the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative by promoting local blending and encouraging the utilisation of indigenous raw materials while importing only essential components such as phosphate.

The initiative is aimed at shielding Nigerian farmers from international market volatility, improving access to quality fertilisers and strengthening domestic agricultural production.

Government estimates indicate that the programme has saved the country about ?61.58 billion in 2026 by reducing fertiliser costs and supporting local production.

Similarly, under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP), implemented through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), 515,720 bags of locally blended fertiliser are currently being distributed to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The ongoing inspection of fertiliser facilities across Lagos, Kaduna, Rivers and other participating states underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that local production meets global quality standards while expanding farmers’ access to affordable farm inputs.

Officials say the initiative is expected to improve crop yields, strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers and accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.

Paystack has launched Paystack Index, an experimental AI-powered payments tool, enabling users in Nigeria to complete everyday transactions through AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Claude.

The product allows users to buy airtime, send money via Zap by Paystack and order food from Chowdeck using simple text prompts. Instead of switching between multiple apps, users can instruct an AI assistant to execute transactions directly.

Paystack Index acts as a bridge between AI agents, merchants and Paystack’s payments infrastructure while ensuring users retain control of authorised transactions.

The company said it does not store sensitive financial information such as card details, PINs or bank account credentials.

Developed with support from TSG Labs, Paystack’s innovation arm, the product builds on Paystack Checkout and Zap and forms part of the company’s broader work on AI-enabled commerce.

It is initially available to selected Zap users in Nigeria through an early-access beta programme and currently supports airtime and data purchases, wallet funding, money transfers and food orders.

Paystack said the launch reflects its belief that AI agents are emerging as a new interface for commerce, enabling users to move from prompts to real-world transactions.

Announced by co-founder and chief executive officer, Shola Akinlade, the product positions AI assistants as execution layers for payments and commerce, rather than just tools for information and recommendations.

The launch comes amid rising AI adoption in Nigeria. According to a Google-Ipsos survey, 88 per cent of Nigerians surveyed said they had used generative AI in the past year, while 62 per cent said they used it for everyday tasks such as planning trips, meals or workouts.

The launch also follows Paystack’s recent restructuring under The Stack Group (TSG), which created dedicated business units for merchant payments, consumer transactions, banking services and emerging technologies.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, says he feels saddened whenever people insult President Bola Tinubu, praising the President’s commitment to infrastructure development and describing him as a leader driven by action rather than words.

Umahi made the remarks on Wednesday during the launch of the Akwanga-Maiduguri Superhighway project in Nasarawa State, where he also announced that the President had approved N111 billion for the first phase of the project.

He said contractors would commence physical construction within one week.

According to the minister, the Akwanga-Maiduguri Superhighway is one of four legacy infrastructure projects being executed by the Tinubu administration to connect Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

He listed the projects as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja corridor, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Yobe-Maiduguri Superhighway.

Umahi said the interconnected road projects would reduce travel time, boost interstate commerce, strengthen national security, and promote regional economic growth.

The minister also defended the Federal Government’s adoption of reinforced concrete pavement technology for major highways, saying it is more durable and requires less maintenance than conventional asphalt roads.

Commending Tinubu’s leadership, Umahi described the ongoing road projects as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history and urged Nigerians to reciprocate the administration’s efforts with electoral support.

‘I am so lucky to have a President who is infrastructure-driven, a man of few words, a man of courage, a man that has a lot of desire to take back our country.

‘So, when people insult the President, I feel so sad because every day we are on the road. Every day, we are pushed by the President.

‘Tomorrow we will be in Plateau State to flag off another road. The next day we are in Maiduguri for another flag-off. The next day we are going to Lagos to solve the problem of flooding along the coastal highway,’ Umahi said.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has challenged the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to an open debate on governance, accusing the former Anambra State governor of attacking his integrity and personality.

Umahi threw the challenge on Wednesday while speaking at the inauguration of the construction of the Akwanga-Jos Super Highway, where he also criticised Obi’s recent comments about the condition of some federal roads.

According to the minister, the reinforced concrete road technology being adopted by the administration of President Bola Tinubu is an innovative solution aimed at improving the country’s road infrastructure.

‘I feel so sad when my brother, the former governor of Anambra State, who should understand what administration and governance is, got to a point where the road is bad, snapped it and posted it on social media,’ Umahi said.

‘When did governance reduce to comedy? He was attacking my integrity and personality, and I’m always ready for a debate with him.’

Umahi said governance is a collective responsibility and should not be reduced to assigning blame to the President alone.

‘The President is not here today, but I have to be the President by performing the job he assigned to me,’ he said.

‘So governance is the responsibility of everybody. Look at our infrastructure being destroyed and vehicles parked on our roads. Must the President go there and stand there?

‘We take responsibility. If anything goes wrong in the Ministry of Works, I take responsibility and not the President. So, I want to commend the President very highly,’ he added.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five associates of former Minister of Petroleum Chief Timipre Sylva at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

They are accused of concealing information regarding the whereabouts of their principal, who is alleged to be a financier of an aborted coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu.

Sylva, a former Governor of Bayelsa State, has been declared wanted by the federal government, and his identified properties have been marked for forfeiture following his indictment as the sponsor and mastermind of the alleged coup plot.

The five associates are Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifife Suobite. They were arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Peter Lifu.

A two-count charge filed against them indicates that the accused became accessories after the fact of felony on April 28, 2026, by concealing the whereabouts of Timipre Sylva, who is classified as a fugitive. The alleged offense is contrary to Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Additionally, the DSS has accused them of conspiracy to commit a felony, specifically for concealing the whereabouts of Timipre Sylva, also a fugitive, in violation of Section 516 of the Criminal Code, LFN 2004.

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

DSS lawyer Emmanuel Orubor requested that the judge schedule a date for the DSS to commence their trial by calling witnesses to testify against the defendants.

In response, Sunusi Musa, SAN, who represented Reuben Ayuba and Paganengigha Anagaha (the 1st and 4th accused persons), filed a bail application for his clients on various grounds. Similar applications were made by Ibrahim Imadegbelo, representing Musa Mohammed (the 2nd accused), I. G. Kelubia, standing for Friday Paul (the 3rd defendant), and E. C. Sogo, who argued for Ayebaifife Suobite (the 5th accused person).

The lawyers pointed out to Justice Lifu that their clients have been in custody since October 25, 2025, and urged the court to grant them bail on liberal terms.

In a brief ruling, Justice Lifu granted them bail in the sum of N5 million each, along with two sureties for each, in a similar amount. The sureties are required to swear to an affidavit of means, provide evidence of three years of tax payment, demonstrate visible means of livelihood, and submit recent passport photographs.

Justice Lifu ordered that the claims of identities of the sureties must be verified by the Registrar of the Court.

Pending the perfection of the bail conditions, the Judge ordered that the accused persons be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and fixed July 22 for the commencement of trial.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has been recognised for becoming the first lawmaker in Nigeria’s legislative history to chair the Appropriations Committees of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The recognition was highlighted in the latest edition of The Parliamentarian Magazine, which described the achievement as a landmark in the country’s parliamentary history and a reflection of Senator Barau’s long-standing contribution to Nigeria’s budgeting and appropriation process.

Senator Barau first served as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations between 1999 and 2003, during the early years of the Fourth Republic, when Nigeria’s legislative budget process was being rebuilt after years of military rule.

Drawing on his background in accounting and financial management, he introduced reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in the scrutiny of government budgets.

His performance in the role earned national recognition, prompting then-President Olusegun Obasanjo to appoint him to a presidential committee to review Nigeria’s budget process.

Nearly two decades later, Senator Barau chaired the Senate Committee on Appropriations from 2019 to 2023, making him the only legislator in the country’s history to have led the appropriations committees in both chambers of the National Assembly.

Speaking during the Senate’s consideration of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Appropriation Bill, Senator Barau described the proposed budget as ‘top-notch’ and referenced his extensive legislative experience.

This was contained in a statement signed by his spokesman, Comrade Ismail Mudashir, a copy of which was made available to the press in Kano.

‘I am the only one in the history of the legislature in this country to have served as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. I am an authority in this regard,’ he said.

He also praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for presenting what he described as a well-structured budget with a strong emphasis on capital expenditure, expressing confidence that the allocations would accelerate infrastructure development and further transform Abuja into a world-class capital city.

Responding to his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, commended Senator Barau’s expertise in public finance, describing him as a valuable asset to the National Assembly.

According to The Parliamentarian Magazine, the Appropriations Committee is one of the legislature’s most strategic committees, responsible for scrutinising government spending, reviewing budget estimates, eliminating duplication and ensuring that public funds are aligned with national development priorities.

The publication said Senator Barau’s unprecedented achievement reflects his expertise, integrity and deep understanding of fiscal policy, qualities it said have distinguished him as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished legislators.