Category: Nigerian Tribune

Two young women from the same household have died after a residential building collapsed in the Goron Dutse community of Kano at about 2:00 am.

The incident occurred behind the WRECA area of Goron Dutse, throwing residents and members of the victims’ family into grief.

One of the victims was reportedly a 20-year-old woman who was said to be preparing for her forthcoming wedding, according to residents.

Eyewitnesses said the sudden collapse woke residents from sleep, prompting neighbours to rush to the scene and attempt to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble.

The residents reportedly used their bare hands and simple tools to remove the debris in a frantic effort to save the victims.

However, the rescue operation ended in tragedy when the two women were eventually recovered dead.

Neighbours described one of the victims as gentle and cheerful, saying she had been looking forward to her wedding.

‘We did everything we could to rescue them, but it was too late. The entire neighbourhood is in shock,’ a resident who participated in the rescue operation told our correspondent.

By Thursday morning, mourners had gathered at the victims’ family home, where grief, tears and prayers replaced preparations for what was expected to be a period of celebration.

The cause of the building collapse was not immediately known at the time of filing this report.

There was also no official statement from the Kano State Fire Service, the police, or any other relevant authority on the incident or the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has declared that it will place every naira spent on government procurement under tighter digital scrutiny, with its electronic government procurement (e-GP) system set to automate key processes, reduce manual intervention, and enable real-time monitoring of public expenditure.

Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the Procurement Reforms Conference 2026, jointly organised by the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association of Nigeria (BAVCCA) and the public procurement agency.

Representing BPP Director, Civil Infrastructure, Engineer Nasiru Bello Adedokun, described the initiative as ‘one of the most ambitious procurement modernisation programmes in Nigeria’s history’, aimed at making public procurement more transparent, efficient and responsive to national development needs.

‘The future of procurement is digital,’ he said, explaining that the e-GP system would ‘strengthen audit trails, improve transparency, facilitate real-time monitoring and generate reliable procurement data for evidence-based decision-making.’

‘This is not simply digitalisation; it is a transformation,’ he added.

The BPP boss said the reform would also be supported by the National Online Compliance and Oversight Platform (NOKOPO), designed to strengthen compliance tracking and ensure that procurement rules are implemented rather than merely documented.

‘The objective is straightforward: to ensure that government rules are not merely written but implemented; to move from compliance on paper to compliance in practice; and to ensure that public resources consistently deliver measurable value to citizens,’ Adedokun said.

He said the Bureau was also using its Nigerian First Policy to make public procurement a driver of local production, job creation and industrial growth, while expanding affirmative procurement initiatives for MSMEs, women-owned businesses, youth-led enterprises and other underrepresented groups.

‘Government spending must not merely purchase products and services. It must create opportunities. It must strengthen indigenous industries. It must retain value within our economy,’ he said.

Adedokun urged bloggers, vloggers and other content creators to use their platforms to deepen public understanding and scrutiny of government procurement.

‘You are no longer mere observers; you are drivers of public discourse. You are amplifiers of information. You are partners in accountability,’ he said.

He urged the media community to help Nigerians understand ‘not only what government spends, but why it spends, how it spends and what value those expenditures generate.’

Backing the reforms, BAVCCA President, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, said stronger citizen monitoring and responsible digital-media engagement could help ensure that procurement reforms translate into greater public confidence.

Chukwunyere said content creators had a responsibility to provide accurate and balanced information while helping citizens understand how public resources were being deployed.

‘As bloggers, vloggers and content creators, we recognise the enormous influence of digital media in shaping public understanding,’ he said.

‘Our responsibility is not simply to publish information, but to ensure that information is accurate, balanced and responsibly presented.’

He called for stronger collaboration among the BPP, media, civil society organisations and digital content creators to promote procurement education, public awareness and responsible monitoring.

While commending Adedokun for what he described as ‘remarkable achievements’ within a short period, Chukwunyere identified capacity gaps, resistance to change, bid manipulation, data challenges and weak enforcement as issues that must be addressed for the reforms to deliver sustainable results.

‘Our objective should therefore be simple: to move from reform to implementation, from implementation to measurable results, and from results to public confidence,’ he said.

He added that public procurement should be viewed beyond contracts and procedures because the management of public resources directly affects infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and other areas of national development.

African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the exit of global ride-hailing company Uber from Nigeria, alongside the shutdown or scaling down of operations by several major companies, reflects growing concerns over the country’s business operating environment.

The party, in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the development exposed a gap between government claims of economic progress and the realities confronting businesses and citizens.

The ADC noted that while the Federal Government had celebrated a marginal 0.2 percentage-point improvement in Gross Domestic Product, GDP, many businesses continued to face mounting operational challenges, while households struggled with rising living costs.

‘Certainly, a 0.2% growth does not reflect the economic pressure that Nigerians are experiencing,’ the party said, adding that poverty remained a major concern, with an estimated 140 million Nigerians affected.

The opposition party challenged the government to explain how the reported GDP growth had translated into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians, including workers, businesses grappling with high energy costs and families facing rising household expenses.

‘When the President and his party say things are getting better, we expect them to tell us what has improved in the lives of Nigerians. They should tell us how much food their GDP growth has put on the tables. They should tell us which bill it has paid,’ the party stated.

The ADC said Uber’s exit from Nigeria after 12 years was an indication of the difficulties confronting businesses in the country, particularly rising energy and transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira.

‘This is precisely why the ADC Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has proposed the restoration of a targeted fuel subsidy to bring down the cost of fuel, transportation and production,’ the party said.

It also cited a report by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria which, according to the party, indicated that 767 manufacturing companies had shut down or ceased operations, while hundreds more had become distressed since May 2024.

The party also listed Microsoft, Jumia Food, Bolt Food, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Aventis, Bayer AG, Procter and Gamble, Unilever and PZ Cussons among companies it said had either shut down or scaled back operations in Nigeria.

‘Therefore, when the President announces that Nigeria has turned the corner, we ask which indicators support that position. If there is confidence in the economy, why are businesses closing shop and moving elsewhere?’ the ADC asked.

The party cited GlaxoSmithKline as an example, saying the pharmaceutical company shut down its manufacturing operations in Nigeria after 50 years.

According to the ADC, every major business exit or downsizing has implications for employment, household income and economic activity.

‘When the APC and its government celebrate even the most negligible shift in GDP numbers as evidence that things are getting better, it contrasts with the reality that many Nigerians are experiencing increased cost of living.

‘Those who had jobs yesterday are not sure how long it will take before their employers close shop, and those earning salaries are struggling even to transport themselves to work,’ the statement added.

The ADC reiterated that its presidential candidate’s proposal to subsidise fuel production costs would help reduce the cost of living, improve business profitability and create jobs across sectors.

In a move to further protect consumers, strengthen legitimate trade, and bolster Nigeria’s economy, Unilever Nigeria Plc has formed a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The partnership establishes a structured framework for collaboration aimed at combating counterfeit and illicit trade, enhancing supply chain visibility, and ensuring that only authentic, verified products are available to consumers throughout Nigeria. Counterfeit products pose serious risks to public health, undermine consumer confidence, distort competition, and diminish government revenue. Every Nigerian consumer deserves assurance that the products they purchase are safe, genuine, and of the expected quality.

This issue is particularly pressing in the beauty and personal care sectors, where counterfeit products can expose consumers to harmful ingredients and erode trust in legitimate brands committed to operating responsibly in Nigeria.

Beyond the scale of the problem, the long-term trust in brands, products, and the overall market system is at stake. Thus, addressing counterfeiting is essential not only for consumer protection but also for maintaining confidence in legitimate trade and investments.

Through this partnership, Unilever Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service will collaborate on sharing intelligence, capacity building, product authentication, inspections, and other initiatives designed to enhance enforcement and protect legitimate businesses.

At the signing ceremony, Tobi Adeniyi, Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc, described the partnership as a crucial milestone in the fight against counterfeiting.

‘Counterfeiting poses a significant threat to public health, businesses, and the broader economy. It undermines consumer trust and creates an uneven playing field for legitimate businesses,’ he said.

‘This partnership reflects our commitment to protecting consumers and preserving market integrity.

‘By combining our expertise in product authentication with the enforcement capabilities of the Nigeria Customs Service, we are taking decisive steps to curb counterfeits and ensure consumers have access to genuine, safe, and high-quality products.’

Adeniyi emphasized that this collaboration highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling complex challenges that affect both businesses and society.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, stated, ‘We are committed to implementing this agreement transparently and professionally, in line with our mandate.

The fight against counterfeiting and other forms of illicit trade cannot be won by one organisation acting alone.

‘Partnerships like this are crucial, as they combine the strengths of both the public and private sectors in pursuit of a common goal.

‘Beyond protecting businesses, this is about safeguarding Nigerian consumers and enhancing their confidence in the products they purchase daily. ‘We are pleased to partner with Unilever Nigeria and look forward to translating this commitment into tangible results that strengthen legitimate trade, support economic growth, and uphold market integrity.’

This Memorandum of Understanding represents a significant advancement in the fight against counterfeiting and illicit trade in Nigeria. By uniting industry expertise and regulatory enforcement, Unilever Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service are establishing a framework for deeper collaboration, stronger intelligence sharing, sustained capacity building, and more effective protection of intellectual property rights.

The true success of this partnership will be reflected in consistent execution and measurable results across ports, border corridors, and supply chains. Ultimately, this collaboration aims to protect consumers, promote fair competition, and create the conditions necessary for legitimate trade and economic growth to thrive.

Amid the furore over allegations by the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Ireti Kingibe, that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has been obtaining loans without the approval of the National Assembly, the Senate has challenged her to provide evidence to support her claims.

The Red Chamber said no such unapproved facility existed to its knowledge, accusing Kingibe of attempting to heat up the polity with unsubstantiated allegations.

‘No such thing ever happened. It doesn’t exist,’ the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stated on Thursday while responding to inquiries by the Nigerian Tribune.

Kingibe, while granting a television interview earlier in the week, had alleged that Wike had sourced loans since assuming office in 2023, specifically mentioning 2023 and 2026.

However, she said the minister did not seek the approval of the National Assembly before obtaining and utilising the facilities he reportedly sourced from creditors.

Kingibe did not provide details of the loans but insisted that Wike had sourced them.

‘I am definitely saying Wike has been taking loans without the approval of the National Assembly.

‘I’m sorry to say, with all due respect to the Senate, of which I’m a member, we’re supposed to oversee him.

‘We’re supposed to approve, and I have brought to the attention of the leadership of the Senate that the FCT is borrowing money,’ the senator alleged.

However, Adaramodu expressed surprise at how the FCT, which had not submitted any proposals to the Senate on budget shortfalls, could be accused of taking illegal loans.

‘What is the nature of the loans? Are they local loans or international loans?’ he asked.

The Senate spokesman further stated that the legislature had been performing its constitutional duties of overseeing other arms of government without compromising its position.

‘The National Assembly has been forthcoming in her oversight functions over the other arms of government, as statutorily provided by the Constitution,’ he added.

He noted that where a lawmaker had any information exclusive to them, the normal parliamentary channel was to raise it through a motion on the floor to bring it to the attention of colleagues for proper treatment, ‘which in this case, the senator hasn’t done so to our knowledge.’

Adaramodu went on: ‘If any legislator has any issue with the functions of any organ or department of government, such must be raised through the relevant committee or on the floor of either of the chambers.

‘The National Assembly is not a secretariat of any political party. We owe our legitimacy to the Nigerian people; hence, our oversight assignments are for the welfare of the public, including the Federal Capital Territory, which we exclusively legislate for.’

Boeing and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) will resume contract negotiations on September 8, following the union’s rejection of the company’s proposed four-year agreement.

The development was announced by SPEEA on Monday, after representatives of both sides met. The union represents engineers and technical workers at Boeing in Washington and other states.

SPEEA members rejected Boeing’s contract proposal on August 21, with engineers voting 64 percent against the tentative agreement and technical workers voting about 72 percent against it. The union’s roughly 17,000 members also voted to authorise a strike if an agreement is not reached before the current contract expires on October 6.

An internal survey of nearly 13,000 SPEEA members identified higher guaranteed general wage increases as their top priority for the next offer. Other priorities included improved performance-based raises and better annual cost-of-living adjustments.

The renewed negotiations come amid growing concern over a potential work stoppage that could affect Boeing’s engineering and certification programmes. SPEEA members are involved in work supporting the certification of the delayed 737 MAX 10 and 777-9 aircraft. A strike could therefore put further pressure on Boeing’s already stretched production and certification timelines.

Boeing has also begun contingency planning, including posting contractor positions for engineering and technical roles, although the company has said its objective remains reaching an agreement with SPEEA before the current contract expires.

A Boeing spokesperson said the company was looking forward to considering SPEEA’s feedback and reaching a resolution that would work for its employees while keeping the company and workforce competitive.

The September 8 meeting will therefore be closely watched as both sides seek to bridge differences over pay and other contractual issues and avert another major labour disruption at the aircraft manufacturer.

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has described Vice President Kashim Shettima as a loyal, dependable and reliable partner to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose experience and commitment have continued to strengthen the Renewed Hope Administration.

Governor Otu, in a goodwill message conveyed by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, congratulated the Vice President on his 60th birthday, commending his courage, competence and dedication to public service.

The Governor said the strong working relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima has remained critical to the administration’s efforts to tackle the country’s challenges, drive economic growth and improve the welfare of Nigerians.

He noted that Shettima’s experience as a former Governor and Senator, coupled with his understanding of governance and national affairs, has positioned him as a valuable asset to the President and the country.

Governor Otu also acknowledged the support and goodwill of President Tinubu and his Vice President towards Cross River State, particularly their responsiveness to the state’s development aspirations and willingness to engage constructively on issues affecting its people.

He said the positive relationship between Cross River and the Presidency has continued to create opportunities for greater collaboration, adding that the state remains committed to the Renewed Hope vision of President Tinubu.

‘On behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, I warmly congratulate Your Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, on your 60th birthday.

‘Your years in public service have demonstrated loyalty, courage, competence and an enduring commitment to Nigeria. As Vice President, you have remained a dependable partner to our Leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and a strong contributor to the success of the Renewed Hope Administration.

‘Cross River State appreciates your support, encouragement and goodwill. Your readiness to listen to our aspirations and engage with our development priorities is deeply valued.

‘As you mark this important milestone, I pray that Almighty Allah will grant you continued good health, wisdom and strength, and bless you with many more years of impactful service to our nation.

‘May you continue to contribute to the peace, unity, prosperity and development of Nigeria.’

Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the Tinubu-Shettima administration and supporting initiatives that advance the development of Cross River State and Nigeria.

He wished the Vice President many more years of good health, wisdom and distinguished service to the nation.

INDICATIONS emerged on Wednesday that the fresh push for a single opposition presidential candidate to face the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, may not see the light of day. Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) appear lukewarm in the push for the single presidential candidate being spearheaded by the G100.

It was gathered that though six political parties met on Monday, August 31, to reaffirm their commitment to the G100 agenda aimed at producing a single opposition against President Bola Tinubu, the thinking among the supporters of the ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and that of the NDC, Mr Peter Obi, is that the move is like ‘medicine after death’.

According to sources close to the opposition coalition, the idea of a united opposition was first mooted by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was instrumental to the formation of the ADC.

‘The push by G100, to the best of my knowledge, may not see the light of day. This is because it is more of a medicine after death. Recall that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was sold on the idea of a united opposition going into the 2027 election, and he supported the formation of the ADC, which was meant to be a vehicle for opposition politics against the All Progressives Congress (APC). But after much ado and the late entry of Mr Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, the duo eventually bailed, and right now they are contesting on another platform. I don’t see how those who divided the opposition can get

a united front at the end of the day,’ a source stated. According to another source, the idea behind the formation of the ADC was to warehouse all opposition candidates under one umbrella such that it would be easy to face the APC, but with the split in the ranks, the idea of G100 was coming a bit behind schedule.

Another source was quoted as saying that when some opposition politicians interacted with foreign diplomats ahead of the formation of the ADC, it was resolved that only a united front could unseat President Tinubu in 2027 and that the man who stood the best chance of facing the incumbent was Atiku Abubakar.

It looks like the G100 trip is a journey to nowhere, said another source, who stated that the feud between former President OlusegunObasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar was a major stumbling block to getting headway in the G100agenda. According to the source, the former president was instrumental to the emergence of Mr Peter Obi as candidate of the NDC, and he also played key roles in the emergence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso as his running mate.

‘Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was said to have vowed to disown Peter Obi if he ever accepted the vice-presidential ticket of the ADC with Atiku as the candidate. He also did all he could to ensure that the vice-presidential ticket for vice president of the NDC was given to Senator Rabiu

Musa Kwankwaso. Remember that Kwankwaso was one of the beloved governors when Obasanjo was president, and when he lost the bid for a second term in 2003, OBJ made him

Minister of Defence,’ another source stated, adding that with the threat from Obasanjo, Peter Obi will

be unable to step down for any other presidential candidate, let alone accede to the G100 agenda, unless he emerges as the sole candidate.

A source, however, stated that the ADC and the NDC have continued to participate in the G100’s push for a single presidential candidate so that they would not be accused of being the cog in the wheel of the opposition.

‘In any case, the two key parties, the NDC and the ADC, are just patching up with the opposition alliance, despite the realities in their camps. The ADC has said it has a pathway to victory against Tinubu with or without the alliance, and the NDC is pitching a similar sentiment in its campaigns,’ a source said, adding that none of the parties want to carry the blame or stand accused of being responsible for the failure of the G100 agenda.

The President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, has attributed the naira’s recent performance against the U.S. dollar to reduced pressure to import petroleum products.

Othman said the availability of petroleum products locally and the fact that they can be purchased in naira have helped reduce demand for foreign exchange in the sector.

He made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

According to him, the situation has, however, affected road transport owners involved in the distribution of petroleum products, with many of NARTO’s members currently having little or no work.

He linked the development to the activities of one of the refineries, which he said was distributing petroleum products free of charge, thereby reducing the need for the services provided by transporters.

Othman also said the rates paid to transport companies are generally fixed and applicable to all operators, making the charges relatively small compared with the pump price.

On the recent increase in the pump price, the NARTO president attributed the development to issues in the Middle East, noting that several other countries had also been affected by the situation.

He, however, said the impact had not been as severe in some of those countries because they maintained strategic reserves.

Othman said Nigeria has several government depots across the country and previously maintained strategic reserves, but added that, to the best of his knowledge, most of the reserves are currently empty.

He said the depletion of the reserves means Nigeria has to depend on petroleum products coming into the country, a supply chain that is influenced by several factors.

The NARTO president said there had been discussions with the current government on measures to put the necessary structures in place and prevent future fluctuations in petroleum product prices.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday, declined to grant an application for bail filed by the Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi.

In a ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by Adeyemi’s lawyer, M.B. Abdulazeez, Justice Obiora Egwuatu held that, there was the need to hear from the police and other respondents in the suit in the interest of fair hearing.

The judge, however, granted a relief for the respondents to give Adeyemi, who is currently in police custody, an unhindered access to his lawyers.

Adeyemi, through his lawyer, had, in the suit, sued the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Assistant-Inspector General of Police as 1st to 4th respondents respectively.

Adeyemi had, in the suit, urged the court to admit him to bail, release him from detention and allow him to seek medical attention from health practitioners of his own choice over his alleged ill health.

He also sought an order retsraining the police or any other officers or agents from interrogating him or directing him to make, adopt or sign any statement, save in the presence of a legal practitioner of his own choice.

Adeyemi equally sought, ‘an order that, for so long as the applicant remains in custody, the respondents do permit the applicant unimpeded access to legal practitioners of his own choosing at all reasonable hours.’

In his affidavit, Adeyemi’s elder brother, Adeniyi Adebola, said the detainee was unable to attend to the commissioner for oaths by reason of his detention.

The police, in a criminal charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, is presently prosecuting Adeyemi over allegations bordering on forgery, impersonation, among others, before another brother judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, who had, in July, issued an arrest warrant against Adeyemi following his absence from scheduled proceedings.

The judge then fixed September 30 for his arraignment.

After the issuance of arrest warrant, Adeyemi was later apprehended by the police and had been in custody, pending his arraignment.

Meanwhile, when the civil case before Justice Egwuatu was called on Thursday, Abdulazeez, who appeared for Adeyemi, moved the motion ex-parte.

After moving the application, Justice Egwatu held that the requests for bail, medical attention and other reliefs could not be granted without hearing from the respondents.

The judge, however, granted Relief 6, which mandated the AGF and the police to give Adeniyi unfettered access to his lawyers.

The judge also gave the respondents a 72-hour ultimatum to show cause why the other reliefs sought by Adeniyi should not be granted.

The court consequently fixed September 9 for the respondents to show cause.

The police, in the criminal charge, named Adeyemi, ‘Femi Surname Unknown,’ and ‘Anu Surname Unknown’ as the first to third defendants, respectively, over alleged forgery and impersonation.

In the police processes before Justice Umar, the prosecution lined up several witnesses, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside officials from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, etc, to give evidence in the case.

Investigators alleged that Adeyemi operated the purported agency from the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja before his arrest.