Category: Nigerian Tribune

A federal lawmaker from Lagos State, Honourable Adesola Adedayo, has said the ongoing voter registration exercise is crucial to favourable outcome in the 2027 elections.

The medical doctor, representing Apapa federal constituency also tied the expected success of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election project to the exercise in the state and nationally.

He appealed to chieftains of his All Progressives Congress (APC) to massively mobilise the grassroots for the President, starting with getting those constitutionally-qualified to vote, to register.

Adedayo, a former two-term chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA disclosed that he has been on the field with his team since the commencement of the exercise, mobilising his base and constituents to go out and register.

The first-termer in the National Assembly stated that his involvement with the grassroots mobilisation has shown him that there are countless potential Tinubu voters in the state who just need to be guided through the process of being able to vote in 2027.

Describing the President as a wartime leader in the mould of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Julius Caesar, Saladin, Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower, the lawmaker explained that apart from the insecurity gripping the country, which is almost at war-front proportion, the President is also fighting economic battles to rescue the commonwealth from cannibals sucking it for decades.

He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration, saying that at the President’s age and the quantum of material blessings he has received from God, what is paramount to him now is a legacy of service to his fatherland.

He assured the Nigerian leader will deliver, noting, ‘I remember when he became Lagos governor and in the early days, some people were shouting just like now, that he wasn’t shaping up as expected. But they usually forget Asiwaju is a strategist. He just doesn’t do things, particularly in governance and politics because he knows people’s lives are at stake. Then his strategic governance delivery kicked in, in Lagos and everybody began to hail him, including the early-day critics.’

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday marked another milestone in its transformation journey with the commissioning of the NAF Headquarters Annex Complex in Gudu, Abuja.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Monday by the Service Spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

According to the statement, the new NAF headquarters annex facility, designed to decongest the overstretched Headquarters in Garki, was described as a bold step towards strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing productivity, and boosting personnel welfare.

Beyond its administrative value, the project also reinforced the NAF’s capacity to project airpower more effectively in defending the nation and protecting the lives of citizens.

Speaking at the event, the Special Guest Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, commended the foresight of the NAF leadership, noting that the project reflected resilience, vision, and commitment to institutional growth.

He observed that since its establishment in 1964, the Air Force had expanded tremendously in scope and responsibility, creating the need for new administrative and operational support structures.

According to him, relocating key branches such as the Air Secretary, Standards and Evaluation, Transformation and Innovation, as well as the 051 Personnel Management Group and an Annex of the Chief of the Air Staff’s Office, would not only ease congestion but also provide a firmer institutional foundation for the future.

While praising the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, for aligning the project with his Command Philosophy of maintaining a highly motivated force through welfare and infrastructural renewal, he declared, ‘This Annex is a reflection of the Air Force’s habit of excellence and foresight’.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff explained that the Gudu Annex was deliberately acquired and remodelled to create a conducive work environment and strengthen coordination.

He emphasised that the project underscored the Service’s commitment to excellence and welfare, noting that motivation thrives where efficiency and infrastructure are prioritised.

According to him, ‘the commissioning of the HQ NAF Annex stands as a testament to our dynamism, resilience, and forward-looking posture,’

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, described the commissioning of the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force Annex Complex in Gudu as more than the unveiling of a new structure.

He noted that the event represents a defining milestone in the continuous transformation and dynamic growth of the Nigerian Air Force.

Several dignitaries attended the occasion, including the Acting Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Augustine Akobundu; the Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, Honourable Kabiru Al-Hassan Rurum; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Service Chiefs and other senior officers.

THE Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend the recently approved N32,000 minimum pension to retirees of seven defunct parastatals who were omitted from the increase.

The association described such inclusion as a ‘just and befitting Pensioners’ Day gift’ that would further demonstrate the President’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and justice for all retirees.

In its 2025 Pensioners’ Day Celebration Message jointly signed by the President General, Elder Benjamin Amakko, and the General Secretary, Mr. Franklin Erinle, FEPPPAN appealed to President Tinubu to ‘graciously direct the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to include pensioners from the seven defunct parastatals who were wrongly excluded from the N32,000 pension increase.’

The affected entities, the statement noted, include the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), NITEL/MTEL, People’s Bank, Assurance Bank, NICON Insurance, Nigeria Insurance, and the Petroleum Institutes.

FEPPPAN expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his administration’s continued commitment to improving the welfare of retirees, especially for ensuring regular and prompt payment of pensions across the country.

The association said the President’s compassion has brought renewed hope and dignity to many senior citizens who once suffered neglect, noting in particular his approval of palliatives for pensioners to ease the hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal. ‘That gesture speaks volumes of a listening and humane leader,’ the statement read.

FEPPPAN, however, urged the Federal Government to release the three-month N25,000 palliative already approved by the President to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on pensioners nationwide.

The Association further called on all tiers of government-federal, state, and local-to prioritise pensioners’ welfare by ensuring prompt payment of pensions and gratuities, and by providing affordable healthcare and housing tailored to the needs of senior citizens.

‘These are not privileges; they are rights earned through decades of loyal service to our beloved country,’ FEPPPAN declared.

Celebrating Nigeria’s senior citizens as heroes of service, the Association saluted the strength, dignity, and legacy of pensioners who gave their best years to the growth and stability of the nation. ‘You are the pillars upon which our nation stands tall,’ it said. ‘You gave your youth, your strength, your skills, and your best years in service to Nigeria. Today, we say with pride: You are our pride, our inspiration, and our moral compass,’ it added.

The message, titled ‘A Salute to Our Heroes: Celebrating the Strength, Dignity, and Legacy of Nigeria’s Senior Citizens,’ described October 5 as a special day in the heart of every pensioner – one proclaimed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari as the National Pensioners’ and Senior Citizens’ Day, set aside to honour the invaluable contributions of the nation’s elders to peace and progress.

FEPPPAN urged every pensioner to ‘wear this day as a badge of honour,’ adding that their labour and sacrifices are written not only in national policy but also in the living memory of the nation they helped to build.

The Association praised pensioners as ‘beacons of integrity, discipline, and service,’ whose legacy continues to inspire younger generations. ‘Your story teaches that dedication and integrity are never in vain,’ it said, stressing that the Nigeria of today stands firmly on the foundation of their sacrifices.

Reaffirming its dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of retirees, FEPPPAN pledged to continue engaging constructively with government to ensure that no pensioner is left behind. It extended goodwill to all senior citizens, both in the public and private sectors, wishing them good health, long life, peace of mind, and the respect they truly deserve.

HOW will you assess the housing sector in the last 65 years of Nigeria’s independence

Nigeria prides itself in gaining political independence in 1960 but to me, the bondage of Nigerians today is more grievous than we were under the colonial rule. Looking at it from all angles, there is no indication of freedom. Our social, economic and political lives are tied to the desires of the colonial masters. The housing sector has not faired so well because it has suffered so much epileptic policy direction and weak political will. Today, it is rumoured or estimated that the housing deficit is in the region of over 20 million units. Even at a very unrealistic and conservative estimate of an occupancy ratio of 2 persons per habitable room; then we have not less than 40 million persons who are critically in need of decent houses to live. This is to say the least, embarrassing and undesirable. Despite the huge intervention of the private sector in housing by increasing the quantitative availability, affordability of the houses is a problem. Though Nigeria’s housing sector has shown resilience and some positive momentum, especially in the last few years, it is still not well enough. Government initiatives, growing recognition of housing as a priority, innovative models, and increasing private sector engagement are all good signs but they end up as issues in political manifestos. Giving housing a head-on, pragmatic response is still far-fetched. On the whole, the gap between policy/initiative and lived reality is still large. The majority of people who need decent, affordable housing are still priced out, unable to access mortgages, burdened by high rents, or forced into informal housing or overcrowding. If, in the first quarter of the 21st century, some Nigerians are still living in terrible slums, shanties and under bridges in our National capital, State capitals and major settlements, we can conclude that a lot still needs to be done in the housing sector.

Can you say that Nigerians have been properly housed?

As indicated earlier, Nigerians are not properly housed. Apart from the deficit, prices of housing and rents are getting out of reach for an average Nigerian; indeed, they rise much faster than wages. Many Nigerians spend 40-60% of their income on rent, far above the recommended 25-30%. The level of informal housing is high as innumerable number of Nigerians live in slums, informal settlements, or overcrowded conditions without any physical plan for their development and access to safe water, sanitation, or reliable electricity and other basic services. This would also account for incessant building collapses which remain a recurring tragedy, reflecting weak enforcement of standards.

What are major achievements in the housing sector and notable challenges?

There are some achievements made by government over the years. First is knowing that Nigerians need to live in decent houses. It is said that knowing a problem makes it half-solved. In the public sector, a lot of investments have been such as low-cost houses during Shagari regime and other similar interventions by successive administrations upto the current Renewed Hope Housing programmes. But these programmes were simply political programmes whereby they make a lot of noise declaring outrageous number of housing units and building only few. Even the few that are built go to their cronies as rewards for political patronage. Other interventions include the establishment of financial and mortgage institutions such as Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, National Housing Fund, Family Homes Fund, Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company and related agencies. The private sector has also made significant impact on housing through acquisition of land for mass housing and constructing them in different parts of the country. Some of the interventions include the rent-to-own programme which has provided an alternative for low to middle income earners. The private sector has also been involved in advocacy through institutions such the Housing Development Advocacy Network and the recently inaugurated Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy. Major achievements in the development of local building materials have been made through research by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute which has increased the use of local materials, prefabricated housing, and modular construction to reduce costs and speed up delivery.

The challenges that we still face include the lack of consideration of physical planning for housing interventions. Their locations within the settlement fabric are uncoordinated to make the needed impact. Most times they are cited out of immediate reach of the dwellers of the benefitting town hence, they face challenges of infrastructure, transportation, security and other environmental problems. Therefore, they are left unoccupied until they are vandalized and the houses become useless and wasted investment of public funds. High cost of land, building materials, and finance keeps housing out of reach for the majority while mortgages remain unaffordable due to high interest rates and short tenures. The Land Use Act (1978) is outdated, creating bottlenecks in land acquisition and titling. Numerous housing policies and masterplans have been developed, but weak implementation, corruption, and lack of political will undermine progress.

Can you say the government of the day is living up to expectations in the housing sector?

I would say, not quite. Nigerians expected much more than what they are getting. The current administration launched what they call Renewed Hope Cities and Estates. Good as the idea may be, it was conceived and located without considerations of physical planning. Implementation in some of the States (including even the Federal Capital City – Abuja) did not pass through required planning approvals as prescribed by the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act. Some of the positive efforts include the moves to strengthen the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), expand mortgage access, and create special real estate investment funds (MREIF) showing intent to tackle financing gaps. Another is the strong collaboration with developers, cooperatives, and housing advocacy groups.

However, a lot of negative issues surround the expectations of the Nigerians. Less than two years into the first term of the current administration, efforts have been much on campaigning for a second term. Attention has tilted from housing to the hunger for retaining power. Meanwhile, affordability remains elusive as cement, steel, and land costs continue to soar; mortgage interest rates remain out of reach for the average worker; informal settlements keep expanding in cities, showing that housing supply for the poor is not matching demand; programmes are launched with fanfare, but delivery is slow, fragmented, and sometimes politicised; and, the massive infrastructure deficit as new estates are often poorly serviced with roads, water, and power, making them less attractive or unsustainable.

What are the solutions to the challenges in the sector?

The government needs to take some quick steps to resolve the challenges. First, there is the need to engage consultants to prepare master plans and other levels of physical plans for cities and major settlements in Nigeria. This will appropriately identify the areas of the settlements where housing would be located profitably (in terms of social satisfaction). There is the urgent need to review the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law, which is over 33 years old, some parts of which are greatly inconsistent with contemporary demands of the Nigerian society. Other important steps to take would include reviewing the Land Use Act o 1978, digitize land records to make titles more secure; strengthen institutions by building the capacity of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and state housing agencies to deliver affordable housing at scale; encourage cooperative housing schemes and provide targeted subsidies on land, infrastructure, or interest rates for affordable housing developers. There is the need to invest in local cement, tiles, timber, and alternative technologies (compressed earth blocks, bamboo, prefab); provide incentives for developers by giving tax breaks or reduced duties for developers who commit at least 40-50% of projects to affordable housing. Encourage land-for-housing exchanges whereby government can provide serviced land to developers in return for affordable units. The Federal Government, as a form of technical assistance to the States should embark on upgrading informal settlements by providing basic infrastructure (water, sanitation, roads).

At a high-level roundtable during the 80th Session of UN General Assembly in New York, senior government officials, Solewant Group, and global stakeholders discussed the Gulf of Guinea’s (GoG) energy, maritime, and investment prospects.

The OECD forecasts the African coastal economy will reach $3 trillion by 2030, with the GoG alone contributing $300 billion and generating over 49 million jobs.

Despite producing nearly half of Africa’s crude oil and holding about 10% of global reserves, the GoG remains plagued by challenges like oil theft, piracy, and illegal fishing.

Although 25 coastal states adopted the Yaoundé Code of Conduct in 2013, implementation has proven difficult, with regional initiatives from ECOWAS, ECCAS, and the Gulf of Guinea Commission also facing hurdles.

Speaking at the roundtable, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff and Minister of External Affairs, urged regional and international leaders to tackle insecurity to unlock economic potential.

He proposed a five-point agenda focused on enhancing security frameworks, integrating security with development, engaging the private sector, leveraging technology, and establishing a business council for the GoG.

Gambari emphasized the need for transparent management of natural resources to benefit local communities, claiming that inclusive governance can deter insecurity.

He reiterated the importance of collective action to fulfill the region’s economic promise.

Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, CEO of Solewant Group, highlighted the GoG’s potential, noting that responsible investment in coastal economies hinges on security and coordinated public-private partnerships.

He stressed the need for strengthened legal frameworks and operational capacity to protect regional trade and investor confidence.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and Nigeria’s Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) are deepening their partnership to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector, with a major focus on establishing disease-free zones that will safeguard animal health and unlock new trade opportunities.

At a high-level meeting in Rome, FAO Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu and Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, explored strategic interventions aimed at strengthening the country’s livestock systems. Central to their discussions were plans to reinforce animal health infrastructure, expand disease surveillance networks, improve feed and fodder production, and promote breed improvement programmes.

Minister Mukhtar emphasised the importance of disease-free zones as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s livestock transformation agenda.

‘Establishing disease-free zones is central to our livestock transformation agenda. It will not only safeguard animal health but also position Nigeria as a credible player in regional and global livestock trade,’ he said.

The partnership will also focus on revitalising grazing reserves, adopting climate-smart livestock practices, and enhancing capacities across the livestock value chain. These interventions are designed to boost productivity, improve food security, and enhance the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who depend on livestock for income and nutrition.

Dr. Dongyu reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts, noting that disease-free zones are essential for meeting international sanitary standards and increasing access to premium export markets.

Both parties agreed to collaborate from the conceptualisation stage through to implementation, ensuring that interventions are sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with global best practices.

The renewed collaboration marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to modernise its livestock sector, reduce transboundary animal disease risks, and strengthen its position in the global livestock economy.

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to reduce the cost of the 2026 Hajj fare for intending pilgrims.

The commendation follows the President’s directive on Hajj fare reduction issued through Vice President Kashim Shettima during a meeting with NAHCON’s management team on Monday.

According to the Vice President, the downward review of the Hajj fare became necessary due to the continued appreciation of the naira against the dollar, the primary determinant of pilgrimage costs.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, IHR described the President’s intervention as ‘most commendable,’ adding that it reflects his responsiveness to the needs of ordinary Nigerians.

‘What the President has done is highly commendable and has shown that, as he always says, he feels the pulse of ordinary citizens at all times,’ the statement read.

The CSO noted that the directive on Hajj fare reduction aligns with its earlier analysis, which had shown that the over N8 million fare announced by NAHCON was on the high side and not reflective of prevailing foreign exchange realities across the country.

IHR further urged the federal government to consolidate the President’s directive by instructing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide a concessionary exchange rate for Hajj 2026 pilgrims.

‘We appeal to President Tinubu to direct the CBN to peg the exchange rate for the 2026 Hajj at ?1,000 to the US dollar.

‘Given that about 85 per cent of the Hajj rate is transacted in US dollars, approving the concessions on dollar rate will drastically reduce the Hajj fare as directed by the President,’ the group said.

According to IHR, implementing such a concessionary rate will encourage more Nigerians to register for the pilgrimage and ensure that the country fully utilises its allocated slots.

Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has restated the call for a return to a regional system of government for Nigeria to witness true development, saying that the main reason the country had remained largely unprogressive was because it was too centralised.

Gani Adams restated his call, in his keynote address as the Global Convener, Oodua Progressives Union (OPU), at the 11th edition of the association’s Europe Summit 2025, held in Napoly, Italy, noting that with restructuring, the six geopolitical zones in the country can judiciously utilise their resources and develop at their own pace.

According to him, the current unitary system of government in Nigeria encourages massive corruption and impedes good governance, recalling that the country was plunged into the crisis since 1966, following the military incursion that ‘changed our Federal Constitution to unitary Constitution.’

‘Nigeria was plunged into crisis since the military incursion into administration in 1966, after which Aguiyi Ironsi changed our Federal Constitution to a unitary Constitution.

‘A nation of more than 250 million population cannot be using this sort of Unitary Constitution, an over-centralised Constitution that dictates that resources for states and local governments go to the centre. This has ensured that states and local governments cannot develop at their own pace without relying on handouts from the centre,’ Adams stated.

The Yoruba generalissimo, however, called on OPU members and Nigerians in the Diaspora to join the call for restructuring, saying that they must demand it as the only way the country can move forward.

‘You must demand restructuring as the only way the country can move forward. You can drive the cause peacefully on the basis of ideology. We do not have any other nation. So, we must join in proffering solutions to the hydra-headed challenge to Nigeria’s nationhood,’ he said.

OPU Europe Coordinator, Alhaji Ganiyu Wahab, in his remark, said the gathering symbolised more than just a meeting of minds, noting that it embodied the members’ collective resolve to advance the interests, culture, and aspirations of the Yoruba people in the diaspora.

According to Wahab, the convention reminded members of their rich heritage, resilient spirit, and unwavering commitment to the progress and prosperity of the Yoruba people, noting that OPU Europe had long been a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and advocacy for the Yoruba nation, both at home and abroad.

‘Today, in Europe, we continue that noble tradition, fostering solidarity, empowerment, and development. This summit provides us with a unique platform to deliberate on pressing issues, from educational advancement and economic development to cultural preservation and political engagement.

‘It is an opportunity to forge new alliances, exchange ideas, and chart strategic pathways that will propel our community to greater heights. We are aware that our journey is one of collective effort. Each member, each leader, and each supporter plays a vital role in shaping the future of our people. Let us harness the strength of our unity, the depth of our cultural heritage, and the innovative spirit that defines us as a people.

‘As we engage in fruitful discussions over the coming days, I urge everyone to approach these conversations with openness, respect, and a shared vision of progress. Let us also remember our responsibility to the next generation, to instil in them pride in their roots and a passion for contributing positively to society,’ the OPU chieftain stated.

He expressed gratitude to the OPU Convener, Iba Adams, the OPU Europe Executives, partners, and sponsors who made the summit possible.

Also speaking, the Coordinator, OPU Italy, Adeola Oreniyi, said the Yoruba language is an irreplaceable treasure that embodies the identity and spirit of its people, positing that its preservation and revitalisation were essential for cultural continuity and enriching Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationality.

Oreniyi enjoined all OPU members across the world to commit to safeguarding the Yoruba heritage through education, innovation, and collective action, just as he emphasised that the organisation’s focus was to promote the unity of the Yoruba race, and create a bond that enhances personal and organisational growth, economic and business networking.

Dignitaries in attendance were the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo; National Secretary of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and the Atoloye Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Barr. Babajide Tanimowo, Publicity Secretary, OPU Worldwide and Akingbayi Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Victor Adewale from Sweden, Social Director, OPU Worldwide, Prince Mark Oyetunde from Germany, Director of IT, OPU Worldwide, Chief (Mrs) Tinuke Junaid from Ireland, and the Director of Mobilisation, OPU Worldwide, Alhaja Nimotalahi Azeez from the Netherlands.

Others include: the Luxembourg Coordinator and Baamesho Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Babatunde Otukoya; the Europe Women Leader, Chief (Mrs) Kikelomo Otukoya; Chief Julius Odutola, Chief Mrs Deborah Ekundayo, Prince Niyi Oyewole, Chief Mrs Christiana Abatan, Madam Oluwaremilekun Alakija and the CEO of Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited, Mr Saheed Mosadoluwa (Ibile).

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Tuesday, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their directive on Hajj fare reduction announced for the 2026 exercise.

According to the Hajj commission, the presidential directive showed a government that not only listened, but also responded to the people’s concerns.

NAHCON had on Friday, September 26, announced final fare for the 2026 Hajj, fixing N8,118,333.67 for intending pilgrims from Maiduguri/Yola zone, comprising Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe states, while those from other Northern states would pay N8,244,813.67.

Those from the Southern states, according to NAHCON, were to pay the sum of N8,561,013.67.

The commission had stated that the fares for next year’s exercise were a reduction of an average of N200,000 from what was paid for the 2025 Hajj across the zones.

However, at a meeting held with NAHCON management at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, Shettima informed that Tinubu had ordered the commission to further review downward the fares.

While giving NAHCON two days within which to effect the presidential directive, Shettima was quoted to have said that the downward review of the fares became necessary considering the continued appreciation of the Naira against the dollar, which was a primary determinant for pilgrimage fares.

Reacting to the directive on Tuesday, through a statement signed on behalf of NAHCON Chairman/CEO by NAHCON’s Deputy Director, Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, made available to Tribune Online in Abuja, the commission noted that the directive is a thoughtful and timely move that brings great relief to intending pilgrims across the country.

It added that it further reinforces President Tinubu’s steady support for improving Hajj management in Nigeria through interventions that make the exercise more affordable, transparent, and well-coordinated.

The statement read, ‘The Chairman, Board, management and entire staff of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their recent directive to reduce the cost of the 2026 Hajj. The Commission regards this as a thoughtful and timely move that brings great relief to intending pilgrims across the country.

‘The President’s instruction to review Hajj fares downward shows a government that listens and responds to the people’s concerns. It also reflects genuine empathy for the financial strain faced by many Muslims who dream of performing the sacred pilgrimage.

‘NAHCON equally hails the government’s call on pilgrims and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to take advantage of the current appreciation of the Naira by making early remittances.

‘Acting promptly, as mentioned by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ibrahim Hadeja, after the meeting at the Villa, would help Nigeria lock in the benefits of the stronger currency.

‘The directive and recommendation for early remittances show a deep understanding of both NAHCON’s operational challenges and the economic realities of our pilgrims.

‘It is another clear example of a responsive and people-focused administration that steps in with practical solutions, especially to the Commission.

‘This directive reinforces President Tinubu’s steady support for improving Hajj management in Nigeria through interventions that make the exercise more affordable, transparent, and well-coordinated.’

The commission, however, assured of its readiness to work closely with all stakeholders with a view to implementing the presidential directive.

It then called on intending pilgrims to promptly make payment sequel to the disclosure of the new fare to be announced soon, for the states to make early remittances to enable the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to use the favourable exchange rate for the Hajj services.

‘NAHCON will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the directive and to deliver a smooth and rewarding 2026 Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims.

‘Hence, NAHCON calls upon intending pilgrims to hasten and make payment sequel to the disclosure of the new fare, which will be announced soon. This will enable their boards to make early remittances that will enable the Central Bank of Nigeria to use the favourable exchange rate for the Hajj services,’ Usara stated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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