Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BHSF) in Edo, on Wednesday, decried the dearth of their businesses, owing to the unwarranted arrest and harassment of their customers by law enforcement agents, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Addressing newsmen at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Benin, the state Chairman of BHSF, Bishop Omogiade Edokpolo, urged the EFCC to desist from indiscriminate arrest of their customers and lodgers, claiming over 93 young people were arrested in various hotels in the state recently.

He added that the whereabouts of the 93 lodgers arrested by security agents remain unknown to the families of their customers, who are allegedly in EFCC custody.

Edokpolo appealed to the Chairman of the EFCC to swiftly address the issues of unwarranted arrests by its operatives in Edo State, adding that any sort of arrest that the EFCC wishes to carry out should at least be backed by the provision of a legal warrant.

He also called on the EFCC Chairman to redeploy the Edo state EFCC Zonal Director to other states, as businesses and economic activities in the state are suffering, owing to their style of operations targeting hotels and businesses only in Edo.

According to Edokpolo, EFCC has, by its actions, so far shown a calculated attempt to suffocate businesses in Edo.

He said, ‘What we will no longer accept as business owners is the EFCC oppression and depression of businesses in Edo State.

‘Our biggest fear is not that we don’t want them to do their jobs, but they have successfully created a runaway mentality in people from owning and operating businesses in Edo State. ‘

Responding to the allegation via telephone, EFCC spokesman, Mr. Dele Oyewale, said the Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BHSF) in Edo State has no understanding of the operations of the agency on its mandate to tackle all economic and financial crimes in the country.

He said that the EFCC investigates cases of economic and financial crimes, including corruption, money laundering, and other related offenses.

The Government and people of Kogi State received with deep sadness the news of the boat mishap which occurred on the River Niger, involving traders travelling from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi Market in Edo State.

According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, reports indicate that the unfortunate incident has allegedly claimed the lives of no fewer than 26 passengers.

‘This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, as well as the entire Ibaji Local Government Area, in this moment of grief.

‘His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and has directed relevant agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency, to work with local authorities to provide immediate support and relief to those affected.

‘The Governor further assured that the State Government will intensify ongoing efforts, in collaboration with federal agencies, to improve safety measures on our waterways in order to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.

‘We call on our people, especially riverine communities, to always prioritise safety by avoiding overloading and by using life jackets and other precautionary measures whenever they travel by water.

‘The Government of Kogi State stands with the people of Ibaji Local Government Area and will continue to support them through this difficult time.’

Candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), ahead of the November 8, 2925 gubernatorial election in Anambra, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has declared the urgent need for a fresh vision in the state.

Chukwuma stated that Anambra deserves leadership that surpasses the current administration under Governor Charles Soludo.

He argued that the people of Anambra are ready for transformative governance that addresses their aspirations and challenges more effectively.

Speaking alongside his running mate, Uzuegbuna Okagbue, during the party’s rally in Umueri, Anambra East Council Area on Tuesday, the YPP candidate highlighted that the party has been actively engaging with all segments of Anambra society. These interactions have revealed a widespread desire among the electorate for meaningful change and progressive leadership committed to the state’s development.

‘So far, I can confidently say that Ndi Anambra want something new, and that is what we are bringing. Ndi Anambra want a government with a human face, one that respects the people it governs,’ he said.

The YPP candidate pledged that, if elected, his administration would bring clarity to governance, entrench accountability, and prioritise the interests of the people in government programmes and projects.

He assured that security would be restored within three months of assuming office, using the same security vote currently available to the Soludo administration, which he accused of failing to deploy effectively.

‘This shall reenergise investors’ confidence in our state. Just as we are campaigning day and night, we shall also work day and night for Ndi Anambra,’ Chukwuma added.

Reiterating his resolve, he declared, ‘I am Paul Chukwuma, and I join Ndi Anambra to echo that Anambra deserves better. Vote YPP.’

Irked by the increasing rate of deaths arising from crashes on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the Federal Road Safety Corps has established an RTC clinic to provide immediate medical care for the victims.

The FRSC noted that many lives would have been saved if there were health facilities within proximity of the accident scenes.

The Sector Commander, RS2.2, Ogun State, Akinwumi Fasakin, at the commissioning of the multi-million-naira RTC clinic in Ogunmakin, decried the rising death toll from crashes on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

He added that many lives would have been saved if there had been prompt access to health facilities along the way.

In line with this directive, the RS2.29 KM27 Unit Command, Ogun State, recently commissioned a multi-million-naira RTC aimed at attending to victims of road traffic crashes along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The FRSC, according to him, has the constitutional responsibility of ensuring safety not only on the highways but on all roads in the country. Part of the measures is the establishment of RTCs at the various units.

‘With this development, many lives will be saved through the prompt response of medical service providers to the victims of road crashes.

‘This project (RTC) is a welcome development. It is in line with the vision of the leadership of the FRSC.’

Speaking in the same vein, the Acting Unit Commander, Phillip Gogomi, said: ‘The Command has recorded an alarming rate of crashes with attendant fatalities within its area of jurisdiction.

‘This is because the Lagos-Ibadan expressway is one of the most densely populated with vehicular movement, making it the busiest road in the West African region. This road also perhaps has the highest number of unlicensed drivers, who, in most cases, drive dangerously.

‘Another factor observed to be common with drivers on the expressway is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as well as operating mechanically deficient vehicles.

‘It is on this background, and in compliance with the fulfilment of the FRSC 2025 Corporate Strategic Goals to achieve a 10 per cent reduction in road traffic fatalities and injuries through focused rescue intervention, that the Unit Command initiated the idea of building a clinic in this Command to mitigate the severity of crashes on our roads.

‘In the past ten years, the Command has been working very hard to improve the safety of lives and property on this road, but we have yet to reach the threshold of safety.

‘This is all the more reason for us to jointly work together in bringing safety to every doorstep until the entire Lagos-Ibadan expressway is completely safe for all categories of motorists.’

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has announced the suspension of its nationwide strike against the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, stressing that the action was taken strictly out of respect for the Federal Government and its institutions involved in the conciliation process.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, made it clear that the union is dissatisfied with the terms of the agreement brokered between the parties, particularly as it failed to address their key demand: the immediate reinstatement of over 800 Nigerian workers allegedly sacked by the refinery.

He warned that the union would not hesitate to resume the suspended strike without notice if the Dangote management defaults on its commitments.

‘We are not happy with the terms of the agreement because it did not capture our main demand of recalling the 800 sacked Nigerians. But out of respect for government institutions, for the National Security Adviser, the DSS, the Chief Reconciliator of the Federation, and ministers who worked tirelessly into the early hours of the morning to mediate, we decided to suspend the action. However, let me be clear: if Dangote fails to keep its part, we will resume immediately, without any warning,’ Osifo declared.

The union leader expressed deep reservations about the sincerity of the refinery management, saying PENGASSAN has ‘mutual suspicion’ that Dangote will attempt to renege on the deal. ‘We know that Dangote does not play by the rules or respect agreements. We believe and suspect that some of the promises extracted during the negotiations will not be honoured. But because we respect due process and institutions of government, we will give them the benefit of the doubt. Yet, any breach will be met with severe and immediate response,’ he said.

Responding to widespread allegations that the union’s insistence on reinstating the 800 sacked workers was driven by a desire to secure check-off dues, Osifo dismissed the claims as ‘laughable and mischievous.’ According to him, the salaries of the affected workers are meagre compared to the earnings of PENGASSAN members in other multinational oil companies, making such accusations baseless.

‘So we clearly ask, is it because of check-off dues that PENGASSAN went on strike? The salaries being paid to these 800 members, if you add them all together, are less than what 20 of our members earn in companies like Chevron, TotalEnergies, or ExxonMobil. Their check-off dues are not even up to the check-off dues of our least-paid members elsewhere. So why should we be chasing this because of dues? It is actually about the freedom of association and the welfare of our members, because when we enter organisations, we improve conditions of service, and that is why workers subscribe to us,’ he explained.

Osifo further argued that PENGASSAN has a long record of defending workers’ rights without stifling the companies where its members operate, citing the example of Shell, TotalEnergies, and ExxonMobil which have thrived despite having thousands of PENGASSAN members. ‘At one time, Shell had over 10,000 of our members, and they invested more than $200 billion in Nigeria. Did we kill Shell? Instead, we assisted Shell, TotalEnergies, and ExxonMobil to grow. We are not out to kill Dangote Refinery, which has barely invested $20 billion. That narrative is false,’ he said.

He stressed that the oil and gas workforce has carried the burden of Nigeria’s economy for decades, providing over 90 per cent of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings. ‘We know who we are and what we stand for. We are patriots who love this country more than any single individual, and that is why, despite our reservations, we chose to suspend this strike in deference to government efforts,’ Osifo maintained.

While thanking the government officials and agencies that intervened in the dispute, he reiterated PENGASSAN’s vigilance. ‘We will be monitoring closely. Any slip, any breach, any part of this agreement that is not kept, we will not issue further notice. We will not give any warning. We will resume the suspended industrial action immediately. That is our resolution,’ he warned.

Osifo concluded by affirming that PENGASSAN’s struggle is not against progress but against injustice, and that the union will remain steadfast in defending the rights and welfare of its members, no matter whose interest is at stake.

Former North West Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State, Salihu Lukman, has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) cannot defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna the way the coalition party is currently being run.

He, therefore, pleaded with the likes of Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, Ja’afaru Sani, Bashir Sa’idu and others to retrace their steps and unite.

In a statement he personally signed and issued to newsmen in Kaduna to mark the 65th anniversary of the country’s independence, the ADC chieftain noted that the ADC in the state is only building a party whose business is limited to producing candidates.

‘Instead of working to build the party, we are setting ourselves to produce a party whose business will be limited to presenting candidates for elections.

‘People with ambition to contest elections have become restless and want to dominate the process of developing the structures of the party to the exclusion of their opponents.

‘The madness of controlling structures of ADC is the biggest threat before us. For whatever reason, those of us who want the ADC to be an equal opportunity party are being condemned.

‘Sadly, some of our leaders, instead of providing fair leadership, are taking sides with strengthening aspiring candidates for the 2027 elections across the state to the exclusion of others.

‘I want to use the opportunity of this independence anniversary to appeal to all of us to stop this madness of trying to take over the structures of ADC and control it to the exclusion of so-called opponents.

‘If ADC is to emerge as a strong party capable of defeating the APC in Kaduna State, we must agree to work together. Anybody who is not ready to work as part of a united opposition in Kaduna State is consciously or unconsciously working for the APC.

‘I am making this strong appeal with a very deep feeling of disappointment that we are recklessly mismanaging an opportunity to provide the needed leadership to our people.

‘In particular, I want to appeal to Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, Mal. Ja’afaru Sani and Alh. Bashir Sa’idu, as the opposition leader in Kaduna State, to please stop encouraging the madness of aspiring candidates seeking to take over the structures of ADC to the exclusion of so-called opponents.

‘At individual level, I have tried to talk to those I can talk to. Unfortunately, I must also admit that I have failed in many respects. The fact that we have Sen. Musa Bello aggressively seeking to control the structures of ADC in Zone 2 is a reflection of my failure. Largely because I am, in recent times, associated with Sen. Musa Bello, Sen. Lawal Adamu (Mr La) has avoided all my requests to meet him.

‘I have met Mal. Ja’afaru Sani on this matter. We have had some discussions with Mal. Nasir. Sincerely, I am saddened by the fact that we are not united, and the perception is that I am part of the problem.

‘As a citizen from Kaduna State, I am willing to make every necessary sacrifice to move our state forward. I have no ambition to contest the election. Without sounding immodest, I made every sacrifice to contribute to forming the coalition and negotiating the agreement with ADC.

‘May I therefore appeal to Mal. Nasir and all our leaders to please seek to unite all of us. It is only if we are united in ADC that we will be able to unite our people in the state to defeat the APC in 2027.

‘We must bear in mind, it is not just about defeating APC but more about producing a government controlled by our party (ADC) based on collective leadership.

‘We need to put an end to the era when we produce emperors as Governors. Anything short of producing a government managed by collective leadership under ADC will be unacceptable.’

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Wednesday marked his 60th birthday with humanitarian services to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and prison inmates.

Speaker Tajudeen, who clocked 60 on October 1, 2025, had called for low-key celebrations by members of the House, aides, friends and political associates.

He called for humanitarian campaigns instead.

To mark his diamond Jubilee birthday, the Speaker lined up a series of humanitarian activities, including sponsoring examinations for prison inmates and securing the release of others by paying their bail. He also gave food items to IDPs.

At the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja, Speaker Abbas paid registration fees for 100 inmates to sit the 2025 National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and National Examinations Council (NECO) tests. While 57 will sit for the NABTEB examination, 43 were registered for the NECO.

The Speaker was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr Chamberlain Dunku, who led several senior aides to the presentation ceremony on Tuesday.

Speaker Tajudeen said: ‘Identifying with the (Nigerian Correctional) Service in the area of quality transformation of inmates through education is a cause that is very close to my heart. This celebration goes beyond personal milestones; it is about extending hope, giving second chances and investing in the future of our brothers and sisters who, though confined today, still carry within them the potential for greatness tomorrow.

‘The registration of inmates for the 2025 NABTEB and NECO is not merely an academic exercise – it is a statement of faith in human dignity and redemption. It is a reminder that conviction is not condemnation, and that every life, when given the right opportunity, can be transformed.’

He added: ‘As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I reaffirm our commitment to policies and initiatives that promote education, justice and opportunities for all Nigerians, inside and outside the correctional facilities.’

Moved by an inmate’s story, Dr Dunkwu, in personal capacity, gave a cash gift of N1 million to Chikwendu Hart, who is currently pursuing a doctorate at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), and has published seven books while awaiting trial for 13 years.

In Zaria on Wednesday, Speaker Tajudeen spent over N3 million on bail bonds, securing the release of nine inmates from the Zaria Medium Correctional Centre.

The beneficiaries are: Ibrahim Dan’asabe (N240,000), Kabir Ibrahim (N180,000), Ibrahim Ahmed (N60,000), Haruna Musa (N350,000), Aliyu Tukur (N390,000), Prince Wadilor Wodu (N326,000), Mustapha Abubakar (N410,000), Sagir Sani (N685,000) and Shehu Abubakar (N440,000).

Also on Wednesday, Speaker Abbas donated food items to IDPs at the Kabusa Camp. The palliatives include over 1,000 bags of rice.

This is just as his wife, Hajia Fatima Abbas-Tajudeen, donated N2 million to the IDPs, while both the Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, and the Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Alhaji Ilyasu Balarabe, donated N1 million.

Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon Chike Okafor, who also announced a N1 million gift to the IDPs in support of the Speaker’s humanitarian gesture, described Speaker Abbas as ‘a national asset.’

Medical personnel from Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, were also on the ground to offer free healthcare services to the IDPs as part of the humanitarian services in honour of the Speaker.

Addressing the IDPs through Dr Dunkwu, the Speaker noted that the gathering was not just about marking his 60th birthday but about ‘extending a hand of compassion, solidarity, and hope to our fellow Nigerians who, through no fault of theirs, have found themselves displaced.’

He also stated that the event ‘is a testament to the fact that leadership is not only about legislation and policies, but also about love, empathy, and service to humanity.’

Speaker Tajudeen said, ‘We are here to reaffirm that no Nigerian should ever feel forgotten or abandoned. The House of Representatives remains committed to policies and initiatives that protect the vulnerable, empower the displaced, and restore dignity to every citizen.’

The Speaker commended the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), partners and all stakeholders who made the humanitarian exercise a reality.

‘Your efforts ensure that beyond the symbolic cake-cutting and relief distribution, there is a lasting impact on the lives of those we are privileged to serve,’ he said.

While telling the IDPs that their ‘resilience inspires us all,’ Speaker Abbas assured them that their welfare remains a top priority for the government, ‘and we will continue to support measures that provide education, healthcare, food security, and opportunities for a better future.’

He stated: ‘As I celebrate this milestone of life, I dedicate it to service – to humanity, to the vulnerable, and to our great nation.’

Also speaking, Hajia Fatima noted that Speaker Abbas’ birthday was not just a day to celebrate, but also to thank Allah (SWT) for the journey so far, and to reflect on life generally.

She said: ‘His Excellency is not just a patriotic leader, he is also a caring and supportive husband; a protective, affectionate and encouraging father; and an exceptional philanthropist. A humble prince of the ancient Zazzau Emirate. I count myself as the luckiest woman to have him as a husband. He is a perfect gentleman.’

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has released a list of 101 products that have been withdrawn, suspended, or cancelled in Nigeria.

The agency said the affected products are no longer permitted for manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale, or use in the country.

Tribune Online reports that the product includes Artemether/Lumefantrine 40mg/240mg Tablets, Amaryl M SR Tablets, Abacavir Sulfate/Lamivudine Dispersible Tablets 60mg/30mg, Aprovasc 150mg/5mg tablets, ASAQ(Artesunate amodiaquine Winthrop) 100mg/270mg Tablets, Betopic Eye drop, Efavirenz 600mg Tablets and Flagyl Suspension.

Others are Iliadin Adult 0.05% Metered Nose Spray, Invanz 1g Injections and Invega (Paliperidone) 3mg extended release tablets.

In a statement on NAFDAC’s X handle, ‘A product’s Certificate of Registration is considered withdrawn when its use is discontinued at the request of the Market Authorisation Holder.

‘A registration certificate may be suspended when the conditions under which it was issued are no longer met, pending a determination by the agency.

‘It is regarded as cancelled when NAFDAC revokes the registration license entirely.’

The agency urged the public and stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and food sectors to take note of the latest decision and comply accordingly.

From BlockDAG’s presale dominance and BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team partnership to established names like Polkadot, Cardano, and Chainlink, there’s a mix of fresh energy and proven strength. Each project offers something unique. The big question is which of these can bring both short-term excitement and long-term value. Let’s break them down one by one and see why each of these coins deserves a closer look right now.

1. BlockDAG (BDAG): Utility Meets Culture

BlockDAG has become the project people can’t stop talking about. With a presale price of just $0.0013 per BDAG, it has already raised $415 million, including $40 million in the last month alone. More than 312,000 unique holders are on board, while 3 million people mine BDAG daily through the X1 mobile app. Add 20,000 X-Series miners sold across 130 countries.

The hype is now supercharged by its multi-year partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team. This deal means fan simulators, on-track activations, hackathons, and digital integrations are all powered by BlockDAG tech. Few crypto projects have managed to partner with global sports on this level, providing them with exposure to millions outside the usual crypto circles. That’s why many traders see BDAG as a promising opportunity.

The Awakening Testnet is also a game-changer. Instead of waiting until mainnet, BlockDAG is already stress-testing account abstraction, miner integration, vesting contracts, and EIP-4337 groundwork in a public rollout. This ‘Mainnet Prequel’ shows exactly how the system works before launch. For anyone watching top crypto coins, the mix of cultural reach and technical delivery makes BlockDAG (BDAG) the one that feels like it has both speed and staying power.

2. Polkadot (DOT): Interoperability in Action

Polkadot remains a key crypto for interoperability, enabling multiple parachains to run in parallel and communicate seamlessly. This cross-chain design remains relevant despite newer competitors, as it simplifies transfers and data movement, two major hurdles in Web3. As of September 2025, DOT trades near $5.02, far below its 2021 peak but viewed as a consolidation rather than a collapse.

Analysts highlight parachain auctions and steady developer activity as proof of resilience. If the adoption of cross-chain apps expands, Polkadot could benefit as an early leader. Its long-term value depends on whether those applications gain meaningful scale and real-world traction.

3. Cardano (ADA): Steady but Searching

Cardano is known for its slow, research-driven approach, emphasizing academic rigor over flashy launches. As of September 23, 2025, ADA trades near $0.37, showing stability after earlier corrections. Support has held, while developers focus on identity, governance, and sustainability. The challenge is proving this careful strategy leads to real adoption.

Source- CoinGecko

Cardano’s community remains among the most loyal, with high staking participation, but questions persist regarding its commercial use. Many investors view ADA as a long-term investment, expecting rewards once larger projects are implemented. For those seeking top crypto coins grounded in research, Cardano still holds promise but needs stronger growth.

4. Chainlink (LINK): Data Feeds and DeFi Power

Chainlink remains vital to crypto as the leading decentralized oracle network, connecting smart contracts with real-world data such as prices, weather, and sports results. Its role underpins DeFi at scale, keeping LINK central in institutional discussions and exchange listings. Currently trading at $21.83, LINK has pulled back from August highs but holds support near $21.

Analysts expect a breakout above $25-27 to retest $30 soon, potentially. Exchange balances are at their lowest since 2022, showing reduced selling pressure and whale accumulation. With DeFi and real-world assets expanding, Chainlink is viewed as essential infrastructure rather than hype-driven speculation.

Which of the Top Crypto Coins Feels Strongest?

Examining these four projects side by side, each has distinct strengths. Polkadot continues to push interoperability as its key advantage, Cardano holds firm with a research-first approach, and Chainlink remains the backbone of decentralized data. All three are important to watch, and each can deliver gains depending on how their ecosystems develop over the next cycle.

However, the project drawing the most attention right now is BlockDAG. With a presale that has already raised $415M, a BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team partnership bringing mainstream visibility, and a testnet that is already rolling out features most chains only deliver after launch, it is building momentum faster than its peers. For buyers wondering which of the top crypto coins, BlockDAG is the one that could turn early support into outsized rewards.

A boat mishap has claimed about twenty lives in the River Niger on Tuesday at about 4:30 p.m. in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, while many others remain missing.

Tribune Online gathered from a farmer, Mr James Otoga, an eyewitness in the local government, that the tragedy occurred on Tuesday evening.

According to him, the boat, which was fully loaded with passengers, departed from Onugwa community in Ibaji and was heading to Ilushi market before it capsized, leaving an as-yet unconfirmed number of people dead.

‘The boat was fully loaded with our people going to market for the 1st October celebration. Only five survivors have surfaced so far, and 20 bodies have been recovered. More of our people are still lying lifeless beneath the River Niger.

‘Even those who came for a burial in Onugwa and were returning to Ilushi are missing. We are yet to confirm the total number of people onboard and those who survived,’ he said.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Honourable Ugeh Emmanuel, described it as the most disastrous in the history of the area.

‘As I am speaking with you now, nobody can authoritatively say this is the actual number of casualties. We also cannot ascertain the number of people on board from their departure point.

‘This is a very serious accident. The boat had not even reached Ilushi when the mishap occurred around 4:30 p.m. Most of the victims were moving to Ilushi for the celebration of 1st October, which has been a tradition in the community, before they met their untimely death,’ he said.

It will be recalled that in the past year, there have been numerous boat mishaps in Kogi, Niger and other riverine states, with many lives lost.

Efforts to reach the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebanji, and the Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama, proved abortive as their phones could not be reached.