Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has reassured residents that no part of the state will be left undeveloped.

He promised that ongoing infrastructure upgrade will spread to all communities across the three Senatorial districts.

The government, according to a statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, is simultaneously working on four major highways in the Ifo, Sango Ota and Idiroko axis of the state.

He dismissed as mischief the claim in certain quarters that the government had left some bad portions on other roads unattended to, saying that the administration has plans to spread development as dividends of democracy to all parts, including the roads in Lafenwa-Itele Ayetoro areas of the state.

The special adviser noted that the 140-kilometer Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway is being fixed by the state government despited being a federal road.

He added that the, Sango- Ido Iroko, also a Federal Government road,is under construction by the state government.

He added that the government is attending to the Sango-Idiroko Highway, while it had completed about 22 kilometres between Ijoko, Agbado and Alagbole road

‘The area being mostly complained about -the Ota-Itele-Lafenwa stretch, which is about 24 kilometres – had been incorporated into the 2026 budget long before social media hoopla’ Akinmade clarified in the statement

The decision, he said, was a confirmation of Governor Abiodun’s determination to spread even development to all books and crannies of the state as fast as he is allowed to do by time and resources.

Akinmade further said the underlisted roads have been completed in Ifo- Ado Odo-Ota axis of the State.

1. Ikorita Meta, Adenrele/Olose Titus Vespa Road (3.1km)

2. Old Bank Road-Orita Meta – Coker Junction, Olumo Spur Road (1km).

3. Olusegun Osoba, Toyin, Agbado Road(2.4km).

4. Reconstruction of Sango, Ota- Oke Aro, Ojodu Abiodun Road, Lagos end (Yakoyo to Mr. Biggs) Phase 6(1.6km).

5. Reconstruction of Sango Ota, Oke Aro, Ojodu Abiodun Road (Sango Roundabout to Ijoko bridge) phase 1, (8.5km)

6. Akute, Denro, Ishasi Road (4.8km).

7. Alhaji Kosoko Street, Ojodu Abiodun (Sectional Rehabilitation,Resurfacing (1km)

8. Ajulo-Akute Road (3km).

9. Hercules-Giwa Road (1.3km).

10. Alagbole-Ajulo Road (1.7km).

11. Akute bridge- Oke Aro bridge)9.2km).

12. Atan – Lusada- Marogbo Toll Road (19.2km).

13. Lanfenwa – Osi, Ikola Road (7km).

14. Reconstruction of Bible College, Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government (3.89km).

He said: ‘While recognizing the rights of the good people of Ogun State to continue to demand for the dividends of democracy, the government warned the public to be wary of the antics of opposition politicians and their quest to call a dog a bad name in other to hang it.

‘In its determination to run a transparent and people-driven government, the Dapo Abiodun led administration will never fail to respond to public scrutiny. However, we are not unaware of the ongoing move by political detractors to tarnish the image of the government by whipping up unnecessary incitements.

‘The road is in question, like many others in Sango-Ota axis, had been in that deplorable state for many years before the coming of Governor Abiodun. They are part of the huge infrastructure deficit inherited by this administration in 2019.

‘Aside from the now trending Ota-Itele-Lafenwa road, other very important roads, including Sango-Ijoko-Agbado-Oke Aro-Lambe-Akute road; Sango Ota-Papalanto-Abeokuta road and Sango-Idiroko road were in terrible states of disrepair when Governor Abiodun took office.

‘Today, however, the story is different, as can be attested to by the good people of the area who daily pour prayers and appreciation messages on the current government in the state.

‘The Dapo Abiodun administration, rising up to the challenges posed by the huge road deficit in the axis, and moved by the cries of the people, embarked on a massive reconstruction of three out of the four major roads in the axis, almost at the same time. The remaining one, which is the now trending Ota-Itele-Lafenwa, is covered by the 2026 budget.

‘The Sango-Ijoko-Agbado-Oke Aro-Lambe-Akute road, which is about 30km; and 140km Sango Ota-Papalanto-Abeokuta road; as well as Sango-Idiroko road that stand at 63km, have all been turned into massive constructions sites where not less than 50 per cent progresses have been made.

‘But for the rains, work would have moved on at a much higher pace. Governor Abiodun has never left anyone in doubt of his determination to work assiduously till the very last minute of his tenure. The good people of Ogun State should be rest assured that the ongoing widespread development that is sweeping across the state will not exclude any part of the state.

‘At a time when our dear state is in the news for numerous never-seen-before feats, including a world class airport, a global standard Sports Complex, the largest cement factory in West Africa, and many others, we must not lose sight of the many reasons to be proud of our home state due to the antics of a few naysayers.’

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has said Abuja’s ‘Smart City Vision’ is being driven by strategic investments across five key areas.

He named the areas as Urban Mobility, Sustainability, Public Safety, Digital Governance and Economic Empowerment.

Wike, who spoke at this year’s edition of Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), also announced that Abuja was actively collaborating with international agencies and private sector actors.

The minister named the projects in which international agencies and private sector actors are partnering, including JICA on smart water metering, Chinese support for intelligent traffic lights, and ongoing ventures such as the Abuja City Walk and the Abuja Industrial Park.

These, he stressed, reflected Abuja’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships and city-to-city exchanges to accelerate innovation.

Wike had met with the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, who also oversees the Political Affairs Office of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

A statement yesterday in Dubai by the minister’s Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said Wike joined global mayors and city leaders at the event to highlight ‘Abuja’s bold steps toward becoming a world-class smart city’.

Apart from the FCT Minister, other speakers at the forum, which was moderated by the Lead of the Sustainable Urban Development Portfolio, UNESCWA, Dr. Sukaina Al Nasrawi, were: the Director of Data and Statistics Planning and Governance, Digital Dubai Authority, Sara Al Zarooni; the Executive Director of Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Dubai Future Foundation, Saeed Al Falasi; the Deputy CEO and Head of Investments, Crescent Enterprises, UAE, Tushar Singh Singhvi, and Chief Sales Officer, Asia, Middle East and Africa of Wilo Group, Lyman Tu.

Wike was accompanied to the event by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Benedict Daudu; the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Yunana Dauda; the Director, Department of Development and Control, Mukhtar Galadima; the Director of Engineering Services, Chuks Udeh, and the Director of Protocol, Sani Musa Daura.

The minister underscored Abuja’s unique status as ‘a purpose-built and ever-evolving capital with a clear master plan, vision, and mission anchored on service delivery to citizens’.

He said under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Abuja’s ‘Smart City Vision’ was being driven by strategic investments in five key areas.

Expatiating the key areas, Wike said: ‘Urban mobility is about the expansion of transportation networks, intelligent traffic systems, and public transport solutions to reduce congestion and enhance accessibility.

‘Sustainability is about smart waste management, renewable energy adoption, and waste-to-wealth initiatives aimed at a cleaner, greener environment.

‘Public Safety entails deployment of smart solar streetlights, CCTV surveillance, and rapid emergency response systems to improve security.

‘Digital Governance involves the creation of platforms like the FCT Call Centre and digitised land registry to promote citizen engagement, transparency, and efficiency in service delivery.

‘Economic Empowerment revolves on creating jobs and attracting tech companies by expanding Abuja’s digital environment.’

The minister stressed the essence of data in shaping opportunities for Abuja’s youths.

He alluded to Nigeria’s upcoming National Employment Database in partnership with global development partners.

‘This system will match skills with job opportunities, guide targeted training, and support entrepreneurship programs led by the Abuja Enterprise Agency,’ he said.

The minister stressed that ‘Abuja’s transformation into a smart and sustainable city was not only about technology, but about placing citizens at the center of development – building a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous environment for all’.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, have pledged to prioritise peace and security if elected in the November 8 governorship election.

The duo said the state had experienced prolonged insecurity resulting from killings and kidnappings, which had affected residents and economic activities.

Speaking during the APC campaign rally at Richie Hall, Umudioka, in Awka South Local Government Area, Ukachukwu said their administration, if elected, would work to restore normalcy and foster development.

‘Our state is destined for greatness. We have endured too many challenges. It’s time to choose prosperity, truth, and purposeful leadership. Together, we will build an Anambra that works for everyone,’ he said.

Ukachukwu said insecurity had forced several businesses to close, including some of his manufacturing firms, following repeated abductions of expatriate workers.

‘The last experience was devastating. A huge ransom was paid to secure their release, after which they left the state. Anambra deserves a better environment for business,’ he said.

He also outlined plans to improve infrastructure and essential services, including a proposed 250-megawatt power plant and a statewide water supply system to ensure access to clean water.

‘We will work towards stable electricity and functional water systems.

The Federal Government has concluded plans to partner with the World Bank, research institutions, and coastal communities to promote innovation, ensure environmental sustainability, and enhance data-driven planning for fisheries and aquaculture development.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola who disclosed this in Lagos, said efforts are also being directed towards strengthening the cold chain system, promoting value addition through fish processing and packaging, improving access to quality feed and seed, developing functional hatcheries, expanding extension services, and facilitating access to finance for fish farmers and entrepreneurs.

In his keynote during a one-day interactive seminar between Stakeholders and Regulatory Authorities involved in Stockfish and Seafood Import and Export Trade in Nigeria organized by the Norwegian Seafood Council and the Norwegian government in Lagos, he said the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy recognizes the importance of seafood trade not only as an economic activity but also as a source of animal protein and a driver of industrial linkages.

‘The seafood sector connects production, processing, storage, transportation, and marketing, thereby creating a comprehensive value chain that sustains livelihoods and supports national economic objectives.

‘The Ministry is partnering with development partners such as World Bank, research institutions, and coastal communities to promote innovation, ensure environmental sustainability, and enhance data-driven planning for fisheries and aquaculture development. In addition, the Ministry is also working to ensure that fish is affordable and available for the ordinary Nigerian.

‘The Ministry is equally working towards streamlining seafood import and export processes, thereby reducing administrative bottlenecks, and ensuring regulatory harmony through collaboration with relevant agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as through the National Single Window platform and the digitalization of the entire fisheries and aquaculture processes,’ he said.

Under the Blue Economy framework, government he said is implementing measures to strengthen monitoring, control, and surveillance systems to address Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing; promote private sector investment in aquaculture and fisheries infrastructure; upgrade fish handling, processing, and certification systems to meet international export standards; and enhance collaboration with international partners on research, innovation, and digitalization of fisheries management.

Oyetola acknowledged the fact that the government alone cannot achieve all the goals, underscoring the need for partnership. ‘Stakeholders must continue to cooperate with regulatory authorities, comply with established standards, and support the implementation of government policies and programmes. I encourage all stakeholders to freely express their concerns and share practical suggestions that will enable Government to address existing challenges and strengthen the regulatory environment.

‘I reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to the development of a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive seafood value chain that will contribute to national food security, employment generation, and economic growth. Working together, we can transform Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector into a globally competitive industry that not only feeds our people but also advances the national Blue Economy,’ he said.

Royal Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Svien Baera, renewed the call for the inclusion of stockfish and its head in the list of goods with zero import duty to make it affordable in the country.

Baera urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the sustainability of the sector through the zero import duties on stockfish due to the low quota of cod (the primary fish for stockfish) and its subsequent price increase fundamentally due to the forces and demand and supply.

The Norwegian envoy said Nigeria remained one of its largest markets in the world, adding that government intervention would help drive affordability among the large consuming population.

‘Nigeria is consistently one of the largest importers of Norwegian stockfish in the world. It is an important part of the Nigerian kitchen.

‘What started as a trade relationship many decades ago has now grown into something mutually beneficial. This is not just a story of commerce; it is a story of cultural exchange.

‘Both our nations share a strong commitment to sustainability to ensure that our oceans continue to provide for generations to come.

‘As part of this responsible approach, we have in recent years seen a reduction in cod quotas, reflecting the need to protect fish stocks and support long-term marine health.

‘Unfortunately, this necessary reduction has led to increased prices for both stockfish and stockfish heads, impacting both producers and consumers.

‘Hence, we respectfully appeal once again for zero import duty on stockfish heads as a meaningful step towards ensuring continued accessibility and affordability for Nigerian consumers,’ Baera said.

Also speaking on the occasion, both the Director of Africa, Norwegian Seafood Council, Mr Johnny Haaberg, and Fisheries Consultant to Norwegian Seafood Council, Ms. Abiodun Oritsjemine Cheke also supported the envoy’s call for zero-duty on the importation of fish head to promote the health of Nigerians.

‘We try to share our knowledge about aquaculture and management of fisheries, also with Nigeria, and we have been doing that for many years, and we think the cooperation is very good.

‘We have been raising the issue of zero duties for stockfish imports because we think the Nigerian consumers deserve better access to cheaper stockfish heads.

‘Actually, we would wish to have more stockfish heads and stockfish at a good price to offer to the Nigerian market.

‘But because of the lowering of our quotas, the exporters that are here, they sell everything they have, and they are not able to access more,’ Haaberg said.

Ms. Cheke said Norway is ready to increase the training of local fish farmers in the country to increase local export opportunities.

‘In the coming year, we will embark on the training of fish farmers and government officers in fisheries in the sustainability aspect and the documentation aspect of the trade.

‘Nigeria’s product is banned from international trade simply because of documentation, sustainability and quality assurance.

‘So, with this, we intend to leverage it to complement the last training we did for the fish farmers and fisheries officers.

‘And we are also appealing to the federal government that stockfish, especially the heads, is for everybody and is about the cheapest protein in Nigeria.

‘Stockfish heads should be placed on zero per cent import duties for a 150-day period, like the other staple foods. We are also praying for our appeal on zero per cent to be heard and for stockfish heads,’ Cheke said.

Nigeria and its Nordic partners have pledged to deepen their collaboration across green energy, digital technology, health, and agriculture.

They also agreed to forge partnerships that promise sustainable impact for years to come.

They made this known at the conclusion of Nordic Nigeria Connect 2025 Business Forum held last week in Lagos under the thematic: ‘Forging Partnerships for Sustainable Impact’.

Organised by the Nordic Embassies in Nigeria and their Trade Offices, the forum, which was the fourth edition, provided a platform for government leaders, innovators, and private sector executives to explore collaboration across four critical sectors: green energy, digital technology, health innovation, and sustainable agriculture.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Samuel Egube, Enugu State Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, State Secretary for Trade and Investment for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark H.E. Lina Gandløse Hansen and Deputy Minister for International Trade in Finland H.E. Jarno Syrjälä were part of dignitaries who attended the event.

Other significant Nordic dignitaries present included H.E. Johan Frisell, Deputy Director-General and Director for Africa at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, H.E. Sanna Selin; Ambassador-Designate of Sweden to Nigeria, H.E. Anna Westerholm; Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, H.E. Jens Ole Bach Hansen; and the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, H.E. Svein Baera.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Zamfara Chapter, says it remains unshaken in spite of defections from the party to All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Gusau by Mr Halliru Andi, the Publicity Secretary of the party.

While the PDP is the ruling party in the state, APC holds sway at the federal level.

The party was reacting to the defection of Maharazu Faru, representing Maradun II constituency in the State House of Assembly.

Faru, who joined the APC together with PDP executives in the five wards among others, hinged his defection on Gov. Dauda Lawal’s inability to meet his campaign promises.

‘Dauda failed to address challenges ranging from insecurity which is the main reason people voted for him,’ the lawmaker said.

However, the PDP said it was not perturbed by Faru’s excuses for his action.

‘The PDP under the able leadership of Dr Jamil Jibo Magayaki has noted the defection of Hon. Marahazu Faru, member representing Maradun II Constituency in the State House of Assembly, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‘While we respect his personal choice, we are not surprised.

‘History has shown that those who put personal interest above the collective will of the people often find themselves on the wrong side of history.

‘The PDP remains the only party with genuine commitment to the rescue and rebuilding of Zamfara State,’ he said.

He said Gov. Dauda Lawal’s leadership was steadily restoring hope, rebuilding institutions, and securing the lives and livelihoods of the Zamfara people.

‘The ongoing reforms and development initiatives are clear proof that the PDP is the party of progress and compassion.

‘We are confident that Hon. Faru will soon regret his decision, as the people of Zamfara have already made up their minds to stand firmly with the PDP.

‘Come the next elections, our party will win overwhelmingly at all levels -from the wards to the national stage because the PDP remains the true party of the masses.

‘We call on our members and supporters to remain steadfast and proud. No defection can shake our foundation or stop the will of the people.

‘The PDP remains strong, united, and deeply rooted in the hearts of Zamfara people,’ the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PDP still maintains majority with 14 members while the APC now has 10 lawmakers in the State House of Assembly.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari and his two brothers yesterday failed in their bid to terminate their ongoing trial for alleged failure to fully disclose their assets.

In its 23-count charge, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) alleged that Abba Kyari, Mohammed Kyari, and Ali Kyari failed to make full disclosure of their assets.

In a ruling yesterday, Justice James Omotosho rejected the no-case submissions the defendants made after the prosecution closed its case.

Justice Omotosho held, among others, that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the defendants to warrant their being called upon to enter a defence.

The judge said: ‘In view of all the exhibits and the evidence of the prosecution, the defendants need to give some explanations in this regard.

‘The evidence of the prosecution has founded sufficient ground for proceeding with this trial.

‘A connection of the defendants with the offences, no matter how slight, constitutes prima facie evidence and as such, the defendants would be required to enter their defence to the charge or offer a rebuttal of some sort.

‘I must say here that holding that a prima facie case has been established does not necessarily imply that the court finds the defendants guilty of the charge.

‘It is simply to allow the defendants to exhaust their options for their defence and to clear every unresolved issue which may weigh on the mind of the court in reaching a final decision.

‘The defendants are still presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution still has the duty to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt,’ Justice Omotosho said.

The judge held that at this stage of the case, the court would refrain from evaluating the evidence but, limit itself to stating that on the whole, a prima facie case had been made out against the defendants.

He added: ‘I have carefully gone through the evidence presented to the court by the prosecution with respect to this charge.

‘The evidence all points to the establishment of a prima facie case against the defendants.

‘The evidence is such that the defendants must proffer some explanation or defence to the allegation made against them, especially considering the seriousness of the offences, as their liberty is at stake.

‘The right of a defendant to defend himself/herself is a fundamental right provided under Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

‘Such right cannot be taken from a defendant except where a defendant expressly or by conduct waives the same.

‘These defendants, having not waived their right to defend themselves either expressly or by conduct they are hereby called upon to put in their defence to the charge against them.

‘In the final analysis, the no-case submissions filed by the defendants cannot be upheld in the face of the evidence led by the prosecution.

‘Consequently, the no-case submissions are hereby overruled.

‘Accordingly, the defendants are hereby ordered to put in their defence,’ he said and ordered them to do so within three days.

He adjourned till November 4 for the defendants to open their defence.

Besides accusing the defendants of failing to fully disclose their assets, the NDLEA, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022, also accused them of ‘disguising of ownership of properties and conversion of monies.’

According to the NDLEA, the offences are punishable under Section 35 (3) (a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, and Section 15 (3) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

In conducting its case, the prosecution called 10 witnesses to prove its case and tendered about 20 exhibits.

Rather than open their defence immediately, the defendants chose to make no-case submissions after the prosecution closed its case.

Former Petroleum Minister (State), Chief Timipre Sylva, is not involved in any coup as rumoured in some quarters, his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Julius Bokoru, has said.

Bokoru, in a statement on Wednesday, said desperate and narcissistic politicians plotting to actualise their ambitions in 2027 were behind the rumour because of their perception of Sylva as their obstacle.

He said such evil politicians took their desperation to a sickening level following Sylva’s intimidating political presence and credibility exposing their dark, self-serving ambitions.

Describing the former Governor as an unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat, Bokoru said Sylva had shown unwavering support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

He recalled that Sylva recently mobilised the entire structures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa expanded stakehokders’ meeting.

Bokoru, however, admitted that Sylva’s Abuja home was subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters, saying they inflicted significant damage on the property.

He said the security operatives that raided Sylva’s house did not provide any reason for their action.

He confirmed that Sylva and his wife were already out of the country at the time of the raid.

Explaining their absence, Bokoru said Sylva was in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check and would soon be on his way to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.

Bokoru added: ‘In the past forty-eight hours, I have been inundated with calls from members of the press, political associates, and concerned individuals regarding a circulating report alleging that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, has ‘fled’ the country in connection with certain purported matters.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, it is true that the residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was recently subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property.

‘Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently.

‘It is important to state unequivocally that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, and his esteemed wife, Her Excellency, Alanyingi Sylva, were both outside the country at the time of the incident.

‘As at my last communication with His Excellency, he was engaged in a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom, after which he was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.

‘The next development I was made aware of, regrettably, were reports circulating across social media and other platforms concerning the raid on his residence’.

He added: ‘While the Defence Headquarters has already debunked the swirling rumours of a coup in Nigeria, it is important to state emphatically that Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, has no involvement whatsoever-either in planning or in logistics-with any such plot.

‘Chief Sylva is a thoroughbred democrat, whose entire political journey has been defined by his faith in democratic processes and institutions. From the 1990s, when he was first elected into the Old Rivers State House of Assembly, to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, Sylva has achieved every milestone through transparent, democratic engagement and the will of the people.

‘His unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a matter of public record. It remains fresh in memory how he mobilized the entire Bayelsa APC structure to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting.

‘These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate and narcissistic politicians, already consumed by ambitions for 2027, who see Sylva as their last real obstacle-a man whose political presence and credibility continue to expose their dark, self-serving ambitions’.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the Federal Government has released ?2.3 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears to universities across the country.

The fund is expected to be used to clear the salary backlogs as well as promotion arrears of teaching and non-academic staff in public universities.

The Minister explained that the disbursements, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), reflected President Bola Tinubu Administration’s resolve to clear inherited backlogs and enhance the welfare of academic and non-academic staff in the tertiary education sector.

In a statement on Wednesday by Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo the Minister said: ‘A total of ?2.311 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been released through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to universities. Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now.’

Alausa said that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to Nigerian University Pension Management (NUPEMCO), expected to be completed in the coming days.

The Minister added that the government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries beginning from 2026.

He noted that this will ensure prompt, predictable, and sustainable payments going forward. In addition, funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with corresponding budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative.

According to Alausa, these measures demonstrated the government’s strong commitment to improving academic staff welfare and addressing long-standing challenges that have persisted for decades.

‘Within the last twenty-six months, the Federal Government has paid a significant portion of outstanding obligations while maintaining open communication with all academic and non-academic unions of tertiary institutions.

‘The Federal Ministry of Education assures that these engagements are being conducted truthfully and in good faith. However, while the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,’ Alausa stated.

He explained that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a bridge between the Federal Government and the tertiary institutions’ unions, ensuring that all pending welfare-related issues are addressed through honest and mutually respectful dialogue.

‘Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully,’ he added.

Alausa noted that the federal government will not engage in unsustainable fiscal practices.

‘Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,’ he said.

The Minister stressed that all commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability.

He commended President Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to the education sector, noting that several challenges that had persisted for decades are now being tackled decisively under his administration.

Alausa expressed optimism that the current wave of reforms and fiscal interventions will usher in lasting industrial harmony, restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, and strengthen institutional capacity for national development.

The House of Representatives is to investigate the activities and accounts of the Nigerian Football Federation from 2015 to date, while resolving to take appropriate action aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability of NFF, with a view to restoring national and international confidence.

Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Dr Adedayo Samuel Adesola (APC, Lagos and Nwaeke Felix Uche (PDP, Rivers), the House asked the leadership of NFF to appear before the House Committee on Sports with records of activities, receipts and disbursements of funds from 2015 to date.

Leading debate on the motion, Adesola recall recent lamentation of former Super Eagles Captain Sunday Oliseh, accusing the NFF of undermining the growth of soccer in Nigeria through misappropriation of grants from FIFA and CAF, citing the questionable handling of USD 1.0 Million NFF got from FIFA to prepare the Super Eagles for the 2002 World Cup.

He said between 2015 and 2025, NFF allegedly received development funds in excess of USD 25 Million from FIFA and CAF with nothing tangible on ground to justify the huge capital inflow from these soccer bodies.

He said ‘in December 2016, FIFA sent an audit query over the mishandling of US$1.1 development grant to NFF and reported that USS802,000 lacked proper documentation; prompting Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung to order an independent audit and asked NFF to account for receipts and disbursements.

According to him, between 2018 and 2019, NFF officials (including the then President, Amaju Pinnick) faced public criticism and were subject of EFCC and ICPC probes and court actions tied to alleged mismanagement of various funds and sponsorship monies. One of these monies, US$1.2 Million is the subject of a news item currently trending on the social media which NFF allegedly used to construct the Birnin Kebbi Stadium.

He said a physical inspection of the Stadium In Birnin Kebbi showed a substandard facility in terms of quality and quantity which cannot justify the sum of US$1.2 claimed to have spent on the project by the NFF,whereas Kenyan Football Federation used the same amount of grant to develop a standard and well-equipped facility, to further raise eye brows on the profligacy in NFF F.

He said with another African Cup of Nation round the corner and the World Cup play off, both involving the Super. Eagles of Nigeria, there is need to take decisive action on further misuse of public funds by the leadership of NFF.