Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Yoruba movie industry has suffered another loss following the death of Nollywood actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem, who died after battling breast cancer.

Kareem’s death comes barely two weeks after the passing of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who also reportedly died after battling cancer.

The actress’ death was announced on Tuesday by the Ogun State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) through its Executive Governor, Owolabi Ajasa.

Before her death, Kareem had publicly appealed for financial assistance to enable her continue treatment for breast cancer.

In a video released alongside the announcement, the actress spoke about the financial burden her illness had placed on her family and appealed to members of the public to support her treatment.

‘I’m a breast cancer patient. It has been going on for a while. My family has spent a lot of money; I’ve come to seek help. The association I belong to, TAMPAN, has tried too, but it’s not enough,’ she said.

Appealing for further assistance, Kareem said she had two young children and urged Nigerians to support her with whatever they could afford.

‘Don’t allow me to die this way; I have two young children. Nigerians, please help me with any amount you can use to help,’ she said.

Confirming her death, TAMPAN Ogun State appreciated individuals who contributed financially, offered prayers, and provided encouragement and other forms of support during her illness.

In a statement signed by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, on behalf of Ajasa, TAMPAN acknowledged the support extended to Kareem and her family.

‘We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed financially, offered prayers, encouragement, and support towards the treatment of our dear colleague, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,’ the statement said.

The association described the contributions as significant to the actress and her family during her period of illness.

‘Your kindness and sacrifice during her difficult moment meant so much to her family and all of us. We are deeply grateful,’ it added.

TAMPAN said Kareem eventually succumbed to the illness despite efforts to support her treatment.

‘Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call,’ the statement said.

The association condoled with Kareem’s family, colleagues, and loved ones, while praying for strength for them to cope with the loss.

‘We cannot question the Almighty God. We can only submit to His will and pray that He grants her eternal rest and gives her family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss,’ it added.

Global ride-hailing giant, Uber Technologies has announced the immediate winding down of its operations in Nigeria after twelve years, marking an abrupt exit from one of Africa’s most vibrant markets as part of a global restructuring plan.

Crucially, senior Uber officials have strongly stressed that the company’s departure from Nigeria is entirely part of its broader internal re-alignment and is in no way linked to any regulatory disputes or recent discussions involving the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Company representatives clarified that the decision stems purely from a global strategic shift rather than local airport regulations or localised enforcement issues.

In a report made avaliable to the Nigerian Tribune, one of its officials explained that, ‘No. Uber’s decision to discontinue operations in Nigeria was made following a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa. The decision is not related to the recent FAAN directive concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.’

The parent company revealed it is cutting approximately 3,300 jobs worldwide, amounting to roughly 10 per cent of its total workforce, in a bid to simplify its organisational framework and pivot toward emerging technological frontiers.

Chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi said Uber’s rapid expansion over the past five years had created excessive complexity within the company, including additional management layers, fragmented responsibilities and slower decision-making. Explaining the rationale behind the development in its communication to staff, Khosrowshahi noted that the changes were designed to make the company leaner and more agile.

‘Today, we’re making a number of significant organisational changes across Uber,’ Khosrowshahi said in a message to employees.

‘We are removing layers, simplifying team structures, refining our global location strategy, and focusing our people and investments against the biggest opportunities ahead of us,’ he said.

According to management, employees whose positions were affected by the downsizing had already been notified, except in countries where labour regulations require formal statutory procedures before dismissals can take effect.

Under the restructuring metrics, the company will reduce the number of employees who are seven or more layers below the chief executive by 20 per cent, while the number of small teams with only one or two members will be nearly halved.

Furthermore, Uber is combining its delivery operations across restaurants, retail, and its direct white-label delivery business, alongside the consolidation of select engineering and science teams to eliminate operational redundancies.

The announcement has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s technology and urban mobility sectors, catching local drivers, riders, and industry observers completely off guard. For a country grappling with high unemployment rates, the exit of a major multinational employer has ignited intense public anxiety. Reactions from everyday Nigerians on social media and major transit hubs reflect deep apprehension regarding the future livelihoods of thousands of drivers who relied on the platform for daily sustenance.

Weighing in on the development, stakeholders in the transport and tech ecosystem have expressed concern over the viability of international gig economy models within the current macroeconomic climate.

Damola Layade, a digital economy analyst, noted that the exit underscores the unique pressures foreign tech firms face in navigating regulatory bottlenecks and currency volatility in sub-Saharan Africa.

‘While Uber’s global strategy focuses on trimming bureaucratic fat and scaling profitable hubs, its withdrawal from Nigeria signals a sobering reality for foreign direct investment in our digital services sector. It highlights how macroeconomic headwinds and high operational costs can force even the most dominant global players to re-evaluate their footprint,’ Layade stated.

Similarly, representatives of local transport worker associations have voiced deep frustration over the abrupt exit. Comrade Adebayo Salawu, an activist advocating for ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria, decried the sudden loss of economic security for thousands of operators.

‘Our drivers woke up to massive uncertainty. Many invested heavily in vehicle financing loans believing Uber was a permanent fixture in the Nigerian transport ecosystem. Leaving overnight without robust transitional support leaves our members highly vulnerable,’ Salawu lamented.

Industry watchers note that Uber’s exit portends a major shift for the Nigerian transportation industry. While the development creates a temporary vacuum in the premium ride-hailing segment, it leaves an open door for aggressive expansion by existing competitors like Bolt and InDrive, as well as a golden opportunity for homegrown Nigerian ride-hailing startups to capture market share.

However, experts warn that unless structural challenges such as high fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, and harsh regulatory frameworks are addressed, the vacuum left by Uber may expose remaining players to identical operational strains. As Nigeria adjusts to this sudden market realignment, the focus shifts toward how local regulators and indigenous alternative platforms will cushion the economic blow and absorb the displaced workforce.

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, have arrested two suspected child traffickers and rescued a four-year-old girl in Kuje Area of the FCT.

The suspects, identified as Rose Daniel and Blessing John, were arrested on August 27, 2026, while attempting to escape with the child, identified as Ummi Mariam Abdullah.

According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects were apprehended following a tip-off from a vigilant member of the community who observed the incident and alerted the police.

‘Responding swiftly to the report, Police operatives arrived at the scene, rescued the child and arrested both suspects.

‘Preliminary investigations revealed that the two suspects had earlier been arrested in December 2025 and arraigned for a similar offence. They were subsequently convicted and released on bail after spending about five months in prison.

‘Further investigation showed that since their release, the suspects had abducted and trafficked four children to different parts of the country.

‘In the most recent case, two children were allegedly taken to an accomplice in Port Harcourt identified only as ‘Madam Ijeoma,’ who reportedly bought each child for N1.5 million.

‘The rescued four-year-old girl has since been reunited with her family. The suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.’ The statement stated.

According to the statement, the FCT Police Command urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant about the safety and whereabouts of their children.

Members of the public were also encouraged to report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, Complaint Response Unit 08107314192, and PPRO FCT 07038979348.

A global stockpile of mpox vaccines has been launched in a move aimed at preventing a repeat of the shortages and inequalities that left poorer countries struggling to protect their populations during previous outbreaks.

The initiative, launched on 27 August, is particularly significant for Africa, which accounts for about two-thirds of reported mpox cases globally. The new reserve is expected to begin operations later this month, giving countries access to vaccines during outbreaks without waiting for doses to be secured after an emergency has escalated.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said the launch marked ‘an important step towards a more sustainable and equitable approach to mpox outbreak response’.

‘By establishing a dedicated global stockpile, using an approach that has proven successful for managing other emergency vaccines, we are ensuring that countries can access them more quickly when they need them, saving lives and containing outbreaks before they spread further,’ he added.

Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, said mpox could be particularly devastating for children, not only because of its physical effects but also because of the stigma, interrupted learning and fear that can accompany isolation from family and friends.

‘This vital initiative will help us quickly get vaccines to the children, families, and communities most at risk of the disease,’ she said.

Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General and CEO of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), welcomed the development, saying access to vaccines for all those who need them was ‘absolutely vital’.

‘That’s why this global coordination mechanism and vaccine stockpile matter. Both will help ensure vaccines reach the people and communities at greatest risk – when and where they are needed most. This is rare good news,’ he said.

The development comes as mpox continues to spread in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, where governments face the additional challenge of animal-to-human transmission alongside person-to-person spread.

Between January 2022 and 31 July 2026, 145 countries and territories reported 190,683 confirmed mpox cases and 529 deaths.

For African health authorities, the stockpile could help address one of the most persistent problems in the global response to infectious diseases: those facing the greatest burden are often among the last to receive the tools needed to control it.

During the 2022 mpox outbreak, lower-income countries struggled to obtain vaccines as wealthier nations moved to secure limited supplies.

The new stockpile is funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and will be coordinated by the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision. The ICG comprises the IFRC, Médecins Sans Frontières, UNICEF and the World Health Organisation.

The mechanism builds on an allocation system established in 2024 during the previous mpox Public Health Emergency of International Concern to ensure countries can access vaccines more quickly and equitably during outbreaks.

Mpox is primarily spread through close physical contact, including sexual contact. In parts of Africa, however, animal-to-human transmission continues to pose a threat, creating opportunities for new outbreaks and complicating efforts to contain the disease.

The illness can be particularly severe in children and people with suppressed immune systems. Its impact can also extend beyond the disease itself, contributing to stigma, isolation and interrupted schooling, while placing additional pressure on already stretched health systems.

For Africa, where the majority of reported global mpox cases continue to occur, the significance of the new stockpile will ultimately depend on how quickly vaccines can move from the global reserve to communities facing outbreaks.

The initiative offers a potential shift from scrambling for vaccines after an outbreak has intensified to having doses available in advance. But ensuring that those vaccines reach the people most at risk will require strong surveillance, rapid allocation, effective delivery systems and sustained support for African health systems.

The Nigerian naira gained against the United States (US) dollar, trading at N1,329.4300 at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official foreign exchange (FX) window on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

The data shared on the CBN’s official platform shows that the naira traded at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) rate of N1,329.4300 per dollar and closed at N1,329.0000 per dollar.

The currency, which traded at an NFEM rate of N1,332.9396 on August 31, 2026, appreciated by at least N3.51 after trading activities on Tuesday.

At the parallel market, the buying rate increased by N2 while the selling rate remained the same when compared to the previous trading rate on Monday, August 31, 2026.

According to Aboki FX, the Naira-to-dollar exchange rate at the black market on Tuesday, August 31st, 2026, was N1,400 and N1,405 per dollar for buying and selling rates, respectively.

The Reform NYSC Coalition, a non-partisan advocacy group focused on improving the welfare of corps members, upgrading orientation camp infrastructure and strengthening the National Youth Service Corps as a platform for national unity and development, has welcomed Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s decision to renovate facilities at the state’s NYSC camp.

The coalition, which engages governments, NYSC management and other stakeholders on policy reforms, camp standards and corps members’ welfare, described the governor’s move as an example other states could follow.

In a statement signed by Comrade Francis Nwogu on behalf of the group and released on Wednesday, the coalition said improved camp facilities would enhance orientation activities, address health and safety concerns and strengthen the scheme’s role in promoting interaction among Nigerians from different ethnic, cultural and regional backgrounds.

The group said some orientation camps across the country continued to face challenges including overcrowding, sanitation and inadequate amenities.

‘We commend His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, for listening to the long-standing calls for improved infrastructure at the NYSC camp in Katsina. This decision demonstrates leadership that understands the critical role of the National Youth Service Corps in nation-building,’ the statement said.

‘We urge all governors across the 36 states and the FCT to emulate this example by upgrading orientation camps in their domains. Corps members deserve decent accommodation, functional facilities, and a conducive environment that reflects the dignity of national service.’

The Reform NYSC Coalition also highlighted the contributions of corps members to education, healthcare and community development, particularly in rural communities where, according to the group, there are shortages of some professionals.

It said sustained investment in camp infrastructure could help address health and welfare concerns, improve morale and make the one-year service more productive for corps members and their host communities.

According to the group, the NYSC remains an important platform for promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

It said better living and training conditions at orientation camps would complement the support provided by host states and encourage greater commitment from the large numbers of graduates mobilised for national service each year.

The coalition said the NYSC could not achieve these objectives alone and called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government.

‘Governor Radda’s intervention is not just about buildings; it is about valuing the lives and service of thousands of young Nigerians who leave their homes every year to contribute to the development of host communities,’ Comrade Nwogu stated.

‘We call on the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and individual state executives to treat NYSC camps as priority infrastructure. A modern, well-maintained camp is a direct investment in national cohesion and human capital development.

‘We appreciate the hospitality of the people of Katsina and the relatively peaceful environment in which the NYSC has operated. This partnership between state governments and the scheme must be strengthened through tangible infrastructural support,’ the coalition added.

‘Every state that upgrades its NYSC camp sends a clear message that it values the corps members who teach in its schools, serve in its health centres, and contribute to its local economy.

‘We hope this becomes a nationwide standard rather than an isolated example.’

The Reform NYSC Coalition reaffirmed its commitment to constructive advocacy for continuous reform of the National Youth Service Corps, including better camp standards, improved welfare and stronger collaboration between the NYSC and state governments.

It also pledged to continue engaging relevant authorities until orientation camps across Nigeria meet acceptable standards of comfort, safety and functionality.

The coalition also applauded the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, for what it described as steady leadership and proactive engagement with state governments.

According to the group, his recent visit to Katsina, where he highlighted the environment in which NYSC activities are being carried out and the mobilisation of large numbers of graduates, reflected an administration focused on the welfare, security and successful deployment of corps members nationwide.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has released the list of documents shortlisted candidates must present for the physical screening and documentation exercise for its recruitment.

The requirements were contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, by the NCS National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller-General of Customs, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, ABDULLAHI MAIWADA, PhD, mnior, mniia.

Candidates are required to attend the exercise with both the original and photocopies of the specified documents.

The documents include:

National Identification Number (NIN)

Original Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age

Educational certificate(s), including O’Level, ND, HND, Degree or other applicable qualifications

Certificate of State of Origin

Two recent passport photographs

Completed Guarantor’s Form

NYSC Certificate, where applicable

In addition to the documentation requirements, candidates are expected to wear a white T-shirt, shorts and canvas shoes for the physical screening.

The exercise will be conducted at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The Service said candidates must report only on the date assigned to their respective states and cadres, adding that attendance is compulsory.

It warned that failure to appear for the exercise as scheduled may result in disqualification from the recruitment process.

Candidates who successfully complete the physical screening and documentation exercise will subsequently receive further instructions from the NCS on the next stages of the recruitment process.

The Service, under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, urged candidates to rely only on official NCS communication channels for authentic information concerning the recruitment exercise.

The Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2027 general elections, Dr Chibuzo Okereke, in this interview with KEHINDE AKINTOLA, bears his mind on the ongoing consultation by G100 which seeks to produce a consensus candidate among all the opposition parties. Excerpts:

What exactly is the strategic objective of the proposed consensus presidential candidate-merely to defeat the incumbent, or is there a clearly defined policy and governance agenda that all participating parties must subscribe to?

Nobody has invited us to an engagement that would produce a single presidential candidate and I don’t think such thinking serves our democracy process positively. Even in 2013, ahead of 2015 elections when APC was formed, nobody collapsed the entire opposition into one candidate. We should also subscribe to forming consensus merely to defeat someone; else that itself, is not strategic. If G100 exist, it should not be a gang-up. They should rather focus on championing credible policy alternatives with a manifesto that is measurable and also mobilise Nigerians to actively participate in the political process and make their informed choices of who they prefer, which I strongly believe represent the new chapter and the future of Nigerian politics.

With 21 presidential candidates already nominated, what criteria will determine who ultimately emerges as the consensus candidate and who will have the final authority to make that decision?

Twenty-one presidential candidates means 21 political parties and 21 different national working committees, national executive committees and other critical structures of parties that are based on constitutionalism. We must not use undemocratic processes to attain political advantage. To achieve such will be difficult, because we are dealing with constitutional rights of people. It will end up in betrayal and scaring of cakes even before it is baked. Parties are encouraged to reach out to others and make personal case for support because merger is no longer possible at this time. For us, Labour represents the most important factor of production and controls the mix in production process. We are the party with the ideology that prioritises human capital and represent a departure from the evil of capitalism that has been bedeviling our nation. The aggregate of Nigerian voters would be the ultimate decider of any arrangements.

How do you intend to reconcile the competing ambitions of presidential candidates who have spent considerable political and financial resources securing their parties’ nominations?

Any candidate on patriotic or compassionate grounds, by the resolution of their party, can subscribe to support any candidate of choice. Historically, some parties have made decisions to zone tickets; others made decisions to support other presidential candidates. Politicians always find a way at the table. However, where we are in our democratic journey, we must put people first before politics and power.

Would the consensus arrangement require some presidential candidates to withdraw from the 2027 race, and if so, what legal or political mechanism would be used to secure their commitment?

The process can only represent gentlemen agreement. It has no basis in law. Beside the window for withdrawal and substitution of candidates in line with INEC, timetable closed on 22nd August 2026. So, no presidential candidate can legally withdraw now. Also, there would be no legally binding guarantees for such arrangements if it exits. In terms of political mechanisms, I maintained that commitments of parties or individuals must put Nigerians first.

Given the ideological and political differences among the opposition parties, what guarantees are there that the proposed coalition will remain united after the election if the consensus candidate wins?

You have your answer in the APC and other coalitions of the past. We saw the contestation and cries of marginalisation by the factional APGA, CPC, ACN, New PDP and ANPP that formed the APC. In fact some members of the New PDP didn’t spend two years in the APC, despite emerging victorious in the 2015 elections. As politicians, we should always converge or have meeting of minds that is anchored on developmental vision for our country not for just political power; because sometimes, how to share the spoils of victory causes more division than nursing the pain of loss which can unify sometimes better.

Some Nigerians are concerned that a coalition formed principally to defeat the ruling party may reproduce the same problems once in government. What governance framework are you putting in place to prevent this?

The leaders and promoters of the group should be able to respond to that. I maintain that nobody should form coalition merely to defeat an incumbent. Any meaningful coalition must put Nigerians first and that is the vision of my campaign -Nigerians First. We should strive to empower voters to make informed decisions and not continue in the elite syndrome pathway.

How will you convince Nigerians that the proposed consensus candidate represents a genuine national alternative rather than another arrangement among political elites seeking power?

Nigerians know we recycle politicians by platforms in this country. I represent a new chapter, new economy, innovation and with right vision and energy to turn things around, expand opportunities, improve on the successes of the current administration and rework areas of gap.

If the major opposition parties fail to reach a consensus before the electoral process advances further, do you have an alternative plan, and would you support a strategic alliance among several candidates rather than a single consensus candidate?

We are a multi-party democratic nation. Our strategy should not just be about winning but about governing as well. Nigerians and candidates, along with their party structures, should have that opportunity of variety of competing ideas and vision and make their choices whether to align with any other candidate or run on the ideology of their party until they have acceptance by majority of Nigerians. In fact, in Nigeria, we make it look like all powers lie with the politicians rather than the people. It should not be so. We cannot just the think about elections. We can do more.

What role will civil society organisations, organised labour, professional groups, youths, women and other critical stakeholders play in determining or endorsing the consensus candidate?

You can never have a national consensus candidate in a multi-party democracy. The design of multi-party democracy is for variety and for choice which is a fundamental right of the human person. The Labour Party is the party of civil society organisations, the organised labour and professional bodies. It is the party of the workers and the ordinary Nigerians. We are contesting and these are our primary constituencies as the only party with institutional membership in Nigeria.

Will the aftermath of the summit not end up being another declaration, communiqué or photo opportunity without implementation?

Nigerians are free to congregate and lobby for votes. I also, maintain that I represent a breath of fresh air and Nigerians should turn to a new chapter in our political development by embracing the Labour Nigerians first vision.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has explained that he approved a two-year extension of the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Clement Adebooye, to strengthen the university’s governance and ensure administrative continuity.

Adeleke disclosed this on Monday while inaugurating the reconstituted Governing Council of the university at the Osun State Government House in Osogbo.

The governor said Adebooye had initially rejected the extension before eventually accepting to continue in office.

According to Adeleke, retaining the Vice-Chancellor was considered necessary to avoid an administrative vacuum and maintain stability in the management of the university.

He also retained Prof. Adewale Oladipo as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, pointing to his experience and familiarity with the university system.

The other members inaugurated into the reconstituted council are Alhaji Gbadegesin Lawal, Alhaji Lateef Olalekan Olayanju, Mr Akinola Franklin Omoniyi, Chief Funminiyi Awotide, Mr Orija Samuel Adebayo, Mrs Adewale Adetayo Bola and Mrs Olawale Oludayo Abolade.

While addressing the council members, Adeleke charged them to approach their responsibilities with humility, integrity, courage and a strong commitment to the public interest.

He said, ‘I charge you to work harmoniously with the Vice-Chancellor and management, stressing that the governing council and management should not operate as competing centres of authority.’

The governor stressed that the council and university management must operate within the provisions of the law and maintain mutual respect in pursuing the institution’s development.

ASO READ: Why I want to restore fuel subsidy – Atiku

Adeleke described UNIOSUN as ‘one of the enduring investments of the people of Osun State’, noting that its academic and research activities contribute to the economic, social and intellectual development of both Osun State and Nigeria.

Oladipo, who previously chaired the dissolved council, thanked the governor for retaining him, attributing the decision to the achievements recorded by the former council.

He said the reconstituted council would consolidate the progress already made and pursue further development of the university.

In his remarks, Adebooye expressed appreciation to Adeleke, members of the State Executive Council and the newly inaugurated council for attending the ceremony.

The Vice-Chancellor pledged that the university management would continue to collaborate with the council and other stakeholders to sustain UNIOSUN’s growth and advance its ambition of becoming one of Africa’s leading universities.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) needs a credible, transparent and predictable property market capable of giving investors confidence and protecting residents from avoidable losses arising from building demolitions, a built-environment professional, Nathaniel Atebije, has said.

Atebije, a former president of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, made the submission while reacting to the ongoing demolition of buildings in parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

Atebije said the issues of building demolition went beyond individual developers or property owners, stressing that they touched on the integrity of Abuja’s planning system, land administration, development control, investment security and public confidence in government institutions.

According to him, while government has the legitimate responsibility to remove developments that violate approved planning regulations, enforcement must be accompanied by transparency, accountability and institutional responsibility.

He said it was not enough for authorities to ask who constructed an offending building.

‘They must also ask how the land was allocated, what information was available to the developer, what approvals were issued; which agencies participated in the process and whether those responsible for approving or facilitating irregular developments are equally held accountable,’ he stressed.

To avert future occurrence, Atebije, however, cautioned property developers and investors against placing complete reliance on government land allocation documents when deciding to develop a property.

He noted that a Right of Occupancy(R of O) or Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) could establish certain rights over land but should not automatically be regarded as confirmation that every proposed development on the property is physically and planning-wise appropriate.

He stressed the importance of engaging registered and competent town planners and other relevant professionals before acquiring land or committing substantial resources to development.

According to him, a professional planning assessment should determine whether a proposed project conforms with the applicable Abuja master plan, local plan, district plan or other approved planning scheme.

The assessment should also establish the permitted land use, development density, plot coverage, setbacks, building height, accessibility, parking requirements and other planning standards applicable to the location.

Other issues that should be investigated, he said, include whether a property falls within a road reservation, drainage corridor, flood-prone area, green area, open space, utility corridor, railway corridor or other restricted location.

He warned that failure to conduct such assessments could expose investors to enormous financial losses.

‘A modest professional fee paid at the beginning of a transaction can prevent a catastrophic financial loss at the end,’he said.