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Fidson Healthcare Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical companies, has appointed two distinguished female Independent Non-Executive Directors, Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni and Mrs. Hannah Emanehi Oyebanjo, to its Board. The strategic appointments, approved at a recent Board meeting, aim to strengthen corporate governance, leverage diverse expertise, and support Fidson’s vision for growth and industry leadership. The appointments take immediate effect, pending final shareholder approval at the next Annual General Meeting.

Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni (MBBS, FWACP, MPH) brings over 25 years of experience in clinical medicine, public health policy, and health systems governance. A Fellow of the West African College of Physicians, she is celebrated for impactful initiatives in maternal, child, and community health. Dr. Mohammed-Baloni previously served as Commissioner for Health in Kaduna State, pioneering reforms such as the Zipline drone partnership for medical supply distribution, a pharmaceutical manufacturing MOU with PMG-MAN, and notable COVID-19 pandemic management. She currently chairs the Bauchi State Specialist Hospital Board and serves on the Boards of the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) and the African Resource Centre for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC-ESM).

Mrs. Hannah Emanehi Oyebanjo (MCIoD, MCIM, MNIMN, FISMN, frpa) brings over 30 years of leadership in business growth, transformation, and marketing strategy. As Managing Director of Redwood Consulting, she has driven category-defining products and award-winning campaigns. She previously served as Marketing Director at GlaxoSmithKline and Colgate-Palmolive and was recently appointed to the Faculty for Marketing and Entrepreneurship at CEIBS. A recipient of the Marketing Icon Award and WIMCA Lifetime Achievement Award (2025), Mrs. Oyebanjo is a Fellow of ARCON and the Chartered Institute of Directors, holding a BSc in Chemistry and an MBA from Lagos Business School and the University of Cape Town. With their combined expertise, Fidson’s Board is well-positioned to drive innovation, governance excellence, and sustainable growth.

Former Commissioner for Works and Transport in Oyo State Prof. Abdul Rahman Afonja has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said his decision to leave the party followed consultations with stakeholders and political associates across the state.

A statement by Afonja, a former commissioner under Governor Seyi Makinde, said his decision to leave the party stemmed from lack of recognition for loyal members and the party’s failure to address internal injustices.

He added: ‘I hope this act will prompt reflection and reform before others feel compelled to follow my example.”

Afonja said during his tenure as a commissioner, he instilled discipline, encouraged professional development, prioritised workers’ welfare and championed teamwork and innovation, focusing on projects that would benefit Oyo State.

He said: ‘Even after my removal from office, I continued to support PDP, funding campaigns, mobilising security agencies for free elections and safeguarding ballot materials.’

He cited the 2023 general election and the 2024 local government poll as examples, particularly his role in protecting the electoral process in Ogbomoso at personal risk and expense.

‘I only not contributed to the 2023 and 2024 elections in Ogbomosho, but also campaigned for Governor Makinde in Hausa speaking communities of Sabo-both in Ibadan and Ogbomosho-thanks to my his fluency in Hausa.’

He lamented that despite the efforts, he received no recognition-no political appointment, civil service placement, or routine party slot-while others who engaged in anti party activities or accepted money from the opposition were rewarded.

Governor Dauda Lawal has approved full scholarships for all qualified Zamfara indigenes who want to pursue health-related courses at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of Zamfara State Scholarship Board, Professor Rasheedah Liman, on Tuesday.

The statement said, ‘We are pleased to inform the general public that Zamfara State students interested in studying health-related courses have been given full scholarships at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State.

‘The students were interviewed and screened successfully and sent to the university to commence their studies.’

She said the ‘students are fully sponsored by the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dr Dauda Lawal.’

Professor Liman commended Governor Lawal for creating the educational opportunity for the deserving students.

Earlier, Governor Lawal had offered full scholarships to all Zamfara State indigenes pursuing courses at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

He also paid for all the outstanding school fees and tuition for the state students studying various courses in Indian universities.

Governor Lawal, upon assuming office in May 2023, declared an emergency rule in education.

He vowed to overhaul the decayed sector for the overall well-being of the state by rebuilding infrastructure, payment of WAEC/NECO filing debts, improving teachers’ welfare and training and creating an enabling environment for learning across the state.

As part of activities to mark her 100 days in office, the Chairman of Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mrs Titilola Rufai, has unveiled a sports fiesta to unite and engage youths.

She said as much during a novelty match between Team Olojo FC and Team Osolu FC, organised by the council to mark the opening of the fiesta.

Rufai said the aim of the fiesta was to engage youths in sporting activities and bring them together.

‘The idea is to bring youths in the council together to engage in sporting activities because an idle hand is the devil’s workshop.

She said: ‘Apart from football tournament that will begin on Tuesday, we also have indoor games for our youths.

‘They are ludo , snooker, scramble, table-tennis, ayo olopon, draught and boxing. This is the maiden edition. The idea is to bring out talents and stars.’

Mr Ege Olusegun, who represents Ojo Constituency 01 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, said the fiesta was a good beginning for the chairman.

The Osolu of Irewe Kingdom in Ojo, Oba Abideen Adekanbi, said the fiesta would encourage youths to concentrate more on sports, instead of engaging in cultism, crime and drug abuse.

Chief Ajao Obasa, the Akogun of Ojo land, representing Oba Kalid Rufai, the Olojo of Ojo Kingdom, said the fiesta would promote unity among youths.

The Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the fiesta, Alhaji Moruf Adekunle, said the football competition would be on for four weeks, while indoor games would be held for two days.

He said the winner of the football competition would go home with N500,000, second position would collect N300,000, while third position would go home with N100,000.

Adekunle said winners in indoor games would go home with fabulous prizes.

Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa) yesterday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bills to the Houses of Assembly for scrutiny and approval.

They presented N1.664 trillion, and N517.5 billion proposed budgets to the Houses of Assembly for the incoming year.

Giving a breakdown of the proposed budget, Oborevwori said N499 billion, representing 30 per cent, is for recurrent expenditure, while N1.165 trillion, representing 70 per cent of total budget, is for capital expenditure.

The governor said the proposed budget size indicated an increase of N685 billion or 70 per cent over that of the outgoing year.

He added that the proposed budget would be mainly funded from Statutory Allocation, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Mineral Derivation, Value Added Tax (VAT), Other Capital Receipts and Savings and Oil Revenue Recoveries.

Oborevwori said N720 billion, or 43.28 per cent of total projected revenue, is expected from statutory allocation which he said was boosted by post-subsidy FAAC inflows and improved oil production stability in the Niger Delta.

The governor said the state’s IGR is projected at N250 billion, representing an 86.5 per cent increase over that of 2025.

He stated that the projected increase in the state’s IGR was driven by ongoing reforms to plug leakages and widen the tax net.

According to him, VAT receipts are expected to rise sharply to N120 billion, buoyed by improved federal administration of the tax.

Oborevwori said: ‘Capital receipts, however, have been deliberately cut down to N25 billion, a 73 per cent reduction, as the government pushes towards a zero-borrowing fiscal strategy.

‘Savings and oil revenue recoveries are projected to contribute N489 billion. This is a testament to prudent and disciplined financial management.’

According to him, the proposed recurrent expenditure estimates for 2026 of N499 billion comprise personnel costs of N185 billion, representing 37 per cent of the proposed recurrent budget, while N204 billion, representing approximately 41 per cent, is earmarked for overheads.

Oborevwori explained that the balance of 22 per cent or N110 billion was accounted for by social contributions, benefits, and grants.

The governor emphasised that the personnel cost of N185 billion anticipated the annual increments and allowances, while the overhead cost mirrors the inflationary trend in the country.

Analysing the proposed capital expenditure estimate of N1.165 trillion, Oborevwori noted that the proposal was N535 billion or 85 per cent higher than the 2025 capital budget of N630 Billion.

‘This is largely accounted for by the larger budget size of N1.664 trillion, as against the N979.2 billion of 2025,’ he said.

Highlighting the priority sectors of the budget, Oborevwori said N450 billion was budgeted for road infrastructure, N105.086 billion for education, N50.067 billion for health, N20 billion for Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency and N20 billion for Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency.

According to him, N16 billion was budgeted for Power and Energy, N10 billion for Agriculture, N20 billion for Social Protection, adding that the sum of N100 billion was budgeted for local government intervention in the 25 local government areas in the state (N4 billion per local government).

Reviewing the performance of this year’s budget, named: ‘Budget of Fiscal Consolidation,’ where N979,228,818,719 was approved for funding both capital and recurrent expenditures, the governor said the performance of the budget was encouraging.

‘From January to October 2025, the actual revenue receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee and Internally Generated Revenue stood at N738.640 billion, representing 90.5 per cent of the proportionate budget of N816,024,015,599.

‘The recurrent expenditure for the period under review was N340,554,006,448, as against a proportionate amount of N290,639,798,863.50, representing 117 per cent performance.

‘The sum of N509,780,336,370 was expended during the period under review, as against a proportionate amount of N525,384,216,736, representing 97 per cent performance.

‘It is pertinent to appreciate this stellar performance. It is also gladdening to note that the bold and reformist policies of the Federal Government have started to yield the desired result and the country is beginning to turn the corner,’ Oborevwori added.

Speaker Emomotimi Guwor praised the Oborevwori administration for the steady strides it had recorded under the Renewed Hope for M.O.R.E.

Also, presenting a budget proposal of N517.539,050,910.77 billion for the year 2026 to the State House of Assembly for approval, Governor Sule urged the House of Assembly to examine the details and ensure expeditious approval.

Receiving the Appropriation Bill, Speaker Danladi Jatau assured the governor of effective synergy and speedy passage.

Governor Sule said: ‘Mr. Speaker, the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriation Bill is anchored on the theme: Budget of Strategic Consolidation. In line with our development agenda, the 2026 budget seeks to consolidate ongoing infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and economic competitiveness.

‘Expand job creation through industrialization, SME support, and agricultural productivity, Improve the quality and accessibility of basic healthcare and education services.

‘Intensify urban renewal efforts and strengthen environmental management among others,’ he said.

According to the governor, the total expenditure budget for fiscal year 2026 is structured into N212,789,330,249.07 only. This represents 41.12% recurrent expenditure.

‘And a total capital expenditure of N304,749,720,661.70 representing 58.88%,’ he said.

Sule said the ratio of the recurrent to capital spending shows another improvement in his administration’s commitment to investing in capital spending.

‘Budget allocation based on main sectors is as follows: Administrative Sector: N108.70 billion, Economic Sector: N221.84 billion

Law and Justice Sector: N16.09 billionSocial Sector: N170.92 billion.

‘Further breakdown into sub-sectors shows that: Infrastructure-N 157.80 billion representing 30.49 per cent while Education sector takes N92.91 billion representing 7.95 per cent, Science, Technology and

Digital Economy was allocated N4.92 billion, representing 0.95%, as well as Governance, Security and General Administration – N142.96 billion representing 27.62%, Finance, Investment and Trade N39.19 billion representing 7.57 per cent.

Others are: Health – N37.19 billion representing 7.19 PER CENT, Agriculture and

Water Resources – N31.85 billion representing 6.15 per cent, Environment and Community Development – N28.32 billion representing 5.42 per cent, Information and Tourism – N18.65 billion representing 3.60 per cent, Legislation – N16.59 billion representing 3.21 per cent

‘Law and Justice – N16.09 billion, representing 3.11 per cent, Youth and Sport Development N10.01 billion representing 1.93, Humanitarian and Women Empowerment- N2.50 billion representing 0.48 per cent,’ he said.

The governor said that his administration remain committed to enhancing capacity to serve the people of Nasarawa State.

Also, in Katsina State, Governor Radda received and signed into law the 2026 Appropriation Bill, named: Building Your Future III, which he presented to the House of Assembly on November 4.

The lawmakers approved the Bill within a 21-day period, returning the figures the governor presented before them unaltered.

The proposed budget contains a Recurrent Expenditure of 18 per cent, and Capital Expenditure of 81 per cent.

During the signing ceremony at the Government House in Katsina, Radda said details of the budget was not compiled till the opinions of the people from the 361 wards across the 34 councils were sought through several town hall meetings.

He said: ‘More than 70,000 people attended the town hall meetings, with the attendees itemizing those things they wanted government to do for them which was incorporated into the budget.

‘The synergy between government and the lawmakers was a commendable one, we call on them to ensure the cooperation continued unabated.

‘Government had sent several bills to the house which has been passed into law, and more Bills would be coming in the months for the lawmaker’s consideration.’

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has lodged a formal petition with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) after its players were denied entry visas to compete at the on-going 2025 World Youth Championships in Romania.

The development has sparked concern within Nigeria’s table tennis community, as the setback threatens the country’s participation in one of the sport’s most prestigious youth tournaments.

In a letter signed by NTTF President Adesoji Tayo, the federation condemned the decision, describing it as a violation of the principles of international sportsmanship, inclusivity, and fair participation that ITTF and its partners uphold.

‘As an official representative of Nigeria and Africa in this prestigious global event, I firmly believe that the reasons provided for the visa refusal are unjust, discriminatory, and contrary to the spirit of unity which international sports is designed to foster,’ Tayo stated.

Despite weeks of intensive training by players and coaches, the visa denial has dampened the spirit of the contingent and resulted in financial losses for the federation. Nigeria was set to represent Africa in the boys’ U-19 and U-15 team events, having qualified as continental champions at the African Youth Championships in Lagos.

The NTTF further noted: ‘Since our inability to participate is not a fault of NTTF, we hereby formally notify the ITTF and the host federation, Romania Table Tennis Federation, that NTTF will not be liable for any penalties or financial obligations arising from accommodation or hospitality reservations made in relation to this event.’

Tayo urged ITTF to urgently intervene to prevent similar occurrences in the future, stressing that the visa refusal has disrupted Nigeria’s ambition of grooming another generation of world-class players.

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai thought he had put his successor under fire by alleging that Governor Uba Sani is paying ransom to bandits to keep the peace. The governor fired back through his aide, and asked the fellow who barked around as chief executive to prove his allegations.

He made the allegation recently on Channels Television where he often goes to weep in public. The commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Sule Shu’aibu was unsparing as he described the former governor’s contention as ‘reckless, baseless and deliberately misleading.’

Taking another swipe at El-Rufai, he said the APC defector was ‘weaponising a sensitive security issue for political grandstanding.’

Shu’aibu noted as Governor Sani had done several times, that the present chief executive has never authorised, negotiated, or paid any money to the hoodlums. ‘Not one naira. Not one kobo,’ the commissioner said.

Now, the shoe is on the other foot. Let him who charges, prove. He was even given a deadline: one week. This is an unfamiliar territory for El Rufai who has a knack for raising the stakes.

But he was not properly interrogated when he made that claim. A reporter ought to make a man answer for his own sins when he commits it in public. Was it not this same El Rufai who boasted that he was paying ransom, and that there was nothing wrong with it? So, why was he angry if, for the sake of argument, the present governor is paying ransom?

We must note that he paid ransom for nothing because he left the state in a state of violence like neighbouring Katsina State today. He did not understand his own contradiction when he spoke. Places like Birnin Gwari were no-go areas for regular folks. There were no markets or businesses there throughout his tenure as governor. The bandits were in charge of their areas just as he was in charge of the state house in Kaduna.

The governor has said he is not just using carrots but also sticks. Carrots in terms of providing platforms for engaging the idle like the 2.5 million citizens who now have bank accounts. To be idle is to do havoc.

In Southern Kaduna, the nation heard news as though a routine about kidnappings, house and village burnings, and killings. He declared states of emergency without security and the emergencies were invitation to fatal treats.

If he is alleging with evidence, let the world see it. Any man who wants to play hardball must have hard evidence. If he does not provide evidence, he would be seen as mere rabble rouser and bellyaching over the successes of his successor. It would be regarded then, not just as bellyaching, but also an act of envy. It is an open advertisement of his failure in eight years.

Not long ago, he was roundly defeated in local elections in which the governor said elections are not won on social media posts. He and his son are adept at superficial posts and meretricious claims, just as the one he is being challenged to provide proof.

Even the national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu has said no bandit was paid. If El Rufai paid ransom and it did not work, why would he expect that ransoms would be responsible for peace in Kaduna? We have seen that ransoms only bring respites and not enduring peace. Ransoms don’t pay forward. The people return for more ransoms. And to do that, they foment violence. We have not seen such rhythm of violence and peace in the state. Over to you, Malam. Where is your proof? Time is ticking.

The Physical Planning Unit of the Oyo State Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, has commended Fendini Group for setting new standard in estate development.

This followed high-level delegation inspection visit to Rayfield Gardens City Estate in Ibadan, an estate developed by Fendini Group.

The team led by the Director of Physical Planning, Dr. Oladiran Olaide, who undertook extensive tour of the estate expressed delight at the scale of development, meticulous layout, and commitements to strict adherence to approved building plans and physical planning regulation.

Oladiran said, ‘The government will continue to support developers who follow due process. The safety and well-being of residents remain paramount, and we urge all subscribers to continue to build strictly according to approved standards.’

In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer of Fendini Group, Prince Adelaja Adeoye described Rayfield Gardens City as a flagship Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project between Fendini Group and the Oyo State Government, facilitated by the Oyo State Investment Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA).

He said, ‘This partnership demands collective responsibility from all stakeholders to eliminate any risk to lives or the environment.’

He praised the investor-friendly policies of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, highlighting seamless and digitized approval processes introduced by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

‘The digitization of title searches and building approvals has made transactions transparent, fast, and reliable. It is phasing out sharp practices and building unprecedented trust in the real estate sector. Oyo State is now the most attractive destination for genuine investors who want their investments protected.’

Adeoye also revealed that Fendini Group has created a dedicated, streamlined approval support system for all subscribers to ensure they comply effortlessly with regulatory requirements.

‘We will continue to partner with all revelant MDA’s of government to ensure that the right things are done in line with the vision of the State on quality and sustainable housing projects, while all subscribers to our various developments are guided to adhere to government policies.’

Earlier in November, at the Scale-Up Conference held at Ibadan Business School, Prince Adeoye had called for the consistent use of high-quality materials and strict observance of building codes as non-negotiable pillars for safe and sustainable cities.

With rapid construction progress and strong regulatory backing, Rayfield Gardens City is emerging as the gold standard for modern, secure, and sustainable residential communities in Oyo State, further strengthening public-private collaboration in the housing sector.

Operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, have seized a container carrying 300 rounds of 9mm ammunition concealed in a Nissan Frontier pickup truck.

The consignment also contained two Toyota Sienna vans, one SCION XA vehicle, 24 bags of foreign rice, seven bales of used clothes, cartons of vegetable oil and household items, Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Margaret Ochalla, said yesterday.

The AIG, who displayed the items at a news conference, said five suspects were arrested in connection with the contraband items, including the driver, Nelson Peretei.

According to a statement by the spokesperson for the command, Assistant Superintendent of Police Aminat Mayegun, investigators traced the shipment to a United States-based sender, Mrs Maria Adeyemi, who allegedly failed to declare the ammunition and other contraband in the bill of lading.

A man, who claimed to be a retired U.S. Marine Colonel, Sunny Nwadiri, also attempted to claim ownership of the ammunition but could not provide verifiable details, the FCID alleged.

‘Preliminary findings showed that the contraband and ammunition were deliberately concealed to evade security checks at the port. ‘Further investigations underway. The FCID is working with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Department of State Services (DSS) to trace the source of the ammunition, its intended destination, and possible links to wider criminal networks,’ the department added.

It said detectives also dismantled an alleged online movie piracy syndicate, arresting a ringleader who unlawfully uploaded movies on TikTok and shared them to viewers on Whatsapp for a fee.

‘Acting on a petition from FilmOne Entertainment Limited, operatives arrested a suspect who unlawfully uploaded the movie ”Owambe Thieves” on TikTok on August 23, 2025. He charged viewers N1,000 for access to the pirated film and distributed full copies via WhatsApp.’

‘Investigations showed he sourced the movie from an illegal website and had been involved in the piracy of several Nollywood titles, including ”Farmers Bride”, ”Thinline” and ”Alakada Bad” and ”Bourjee”.

‘A forensic analysis of two seized iPhones uncovered lists of buyers and pirated movies shared through WhatsApp and Telegram. The suspect’s OPay account showed inflows and outflows totalling about N7.6 million over two months, believed to be proceeds of piracy and cyber fraud. He has been arraigned in court,’ the statement added.

According to Mayegun, AIG Ochalla reaffirmed the department’s commitment to tackling cybercrime, protecting intellectual property, and combating arms trafficking, urging the public to continue providing credible information to support policing efforts.’

On a cold morning in October, Ibrahim Muhammad, a 300-Level Sociology student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), made his way to Ajia Alimo road in Sokoto market to begin his journey home. With a worried but determined expression, he climbed onto the back of a moving trailer heading towards Kwara State.

Since his first year in the university, Ibrahim has always struggled to afford transport fare between Sokoto and his hometown. Before discovering that he could travel with just N5,000 by hitching a ride on a trailer, he used to spend N20,000 and above on transportation alone.

‘We don’t do this because we want to,’ Ibrahim said, gripping his bag tightly. ‘But with transport fare now having tripled, this is the only way to reach Ilorin. The buses are just too expensive. We either risk it or stay stranded.’

Ibrahim’s experience is not unique. Samsudeen Wadud, a 200-Level Engineering student, shared a similar story. When he heard that the bus fare to Ibadan had risen to between N22,000 and N25,000, he knew he couldn’t afford it. His parents had sent him N15,000, which was not even enough for the trip to his state.

‘When a friend told me about using trailers for just N5,000. I didn’t think twice; I gladly said yes,’ he recalled.

Before the fuel subsidy removal, travelling from Sokoto to Kwara, Oyo, or Lagos State through Niger and Kontagora was relatively affordable. Then, students could board commercial buses for between N8,000 and N10,000 depending on the season.

But since the subsidy removal, petrol prices have tripled, and fares have sharply increased, which now cost between N22,000 and N25,000. For many students, especially those from low-income families, travelling home by trailer has become the only option left.

Same path, different mindset

For some students, the trailer journey is not just about cost, it’s about safety. Muhammad Ridwan, a Master’s student at UDUS, said he now finds peace in travelling by trailer, not just because it is cheaper, but because he believes it is safer.

‘I’ve been using trailers for a long time. I’ve never had an accident, never been robbed or kidnapped,’ he said. ‘Look at the recent attacks on students passing through Niger State, they target buses. Trailers are actually safer for me if I must say.’

Ridwan’s fear is not exaggerated. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 51.8 million cases of crime were recorded in Nigeria alone between May 2023 and April 2024, which reflects a sorry state of security. The NB report also revealed that an estimated 2.2 million kidnapping incidents occurred within the same period, with victims’ families paying an average ransom of N2.7 million per case, totaling more than N2.2 trillion in ransom payments.

The North-West region recorded the highest number of kidnapping cases at 1.4 million. This is followed by the North-Central region which recorded 317,837, while the South-East region had the least at 110,432.

Students being kidnapped on Nigerian roads is not a new trend. In 2024, at least students from the University of Maiduguri were abducted by gunmen in Benue State while they were going for a medical conference.

Similarly, in October 2025, Basheerah Ojedeyi, a newly inducted Radiography graduate of UDUS, was abducted in Niger State and spent weeks in captivity before her release after a huge ransom payment.

Beyond the price: A torturous journey

What begins as a cost-saving decision often turns into a nightmare for many student commuters. Samsudeen Wadud recalled how his trailer, loaded with cows, rams, and other goods, became unbearable during the journey.

‘It was not the best way to go home, but it was better than staying at school,’ he said. ‘Just a few hours into the trip, the smell of animal urine and faeces filled the air. I vomited several times. I don’t think I’ll ever board a trailer again.’

Another student, Abdulraheem Habib, shared a similar experience. Despite swearing never to travel that way again, he later did so due to financial hardship.

‘When it rains, I’m soaked,’ he said. ‘When it’s sunny, the metal burns my skin. You can’t even stop to ease yourself, you only find a way to ease yourself when the trailer is on the move. It’s a terrible experience.’

Abdulraheem also recalled one frightening incident: ‘We were on a trailer going to Kontagora when one of the tyres burst. The driver didn’t stop. Everyone screamed. I thought it was the end. But during the next holiday, I still found myself climbing another one. What can I do?’

Crossing the Auna River: A journey of fear

For Ibrahim Muhammad, the most terrifying part of his journey is crossing the Auna-Salka-Ibeto route in Niger State, where a collapsed bridge forces travellers to use an old ferry.

‘It was terrifying,’ he said. ‘The ferry was rusty and shaking. There were no life jackets, and the engine sounded weak. I just held onto the metal and prayed to survive.’

‘Every wave felt like danger. At one point, my hand slipped, and someone had to pull me back. That day, I saw death. I questioned why I agreed to travel this way.’

A Sign of Economic Desperation

A transportation expert, Mr. Yusuf Adewale, described the situation as ‘a tragic reflection of national decay.’

‘When students, the country’s future, are forced to ride trailers meant for goods, it’s not just a safety issue; it’s an indictment of governance and infrastructure failure,’ he said.

He added that the situation mirrors a broader pattern of neglect in rural transport systems across northern Nigeria. ‘Communities in Niger, Kebbi, and Sokoto still depend on unsafe trucks and ferries for mobility,’ Adewale explained. ‘It shows the deep gap between urban transport development and rural accessibility.’

He warned that if the situation is not addressed urgently, lives will continue to be lost.