News Rider

The Niger State government has dragged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to the Supreme Court over omission in the 13 percent derivation. In an originating summons sighted at the apex court, Niger state government through its counsel, Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, seeks the interpretation and application of section 232 (1) & (2) of the Nigerian constitution. The suit seeks the inclusion of Niger state in the 13 percent derivation as enshrined in the Enactment of Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act, 2004. He requested the court to determine whether Niger State does not qualify to be classified among the states that  produce natural resources and therefore entitled to thirteen percent derivation within the meaning of 162(2) of the 1999 constitution. The subject matter of the suit is the failure of the Federal Government to include Niger State among the beneficiary states of the 13 percent derivation. Also, the omission of remitti...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    L-R: Rabiu Kwankwaso and David Umahi The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has described the vituperation credited to the former Governor of Kano State, Sen Rabiu Kwankwaso on sidelining the North in road rehabilitation as deceitful and misleading.  This was even as Umahi hinted that Kwankwaso's utterances were intended to deceive Northerners, adding that the statement was made out of desperation and part of his struggle to forcefully claim late President Muhammadu Buhari's legacies.  Kwankwaso, who was the Presidential Candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections, had last week stated that President Bola Tinubu is developing more roads in the South than in the North. Reacting over the weekend, the former minister said: "I consider the statement as one made out of desperation and as part of his struggle, along with a few others who believe that they can inherit the impeccable legacy of our dear lat...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council has honoured the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu with the prestigious award of Best Crime Fighter – Man of the Year 2025.  It was presented at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, during FCT Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony on the theme: 'Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy and Society'. The council recognised CP Orutugu’s exceptional leadership, dedication to duty, and strategic approach to crime prevention and community safety in Anambra State. Under his Command, Anambra State recorded significant milestones in combating violent crimes, dismantling criminal syndicates, fostering community policing, and enhancing collaboration with sister security agencies and stakeholders.  During the citation, the NUJ FCT council commended CP Orutugu for his professionalism, transparency, and unwavering commitment to uph...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo has ordered immediate emergency repairs on the damaged portion of Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.  He stated this while inspecting the  critical portion of the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, as was directed by President Bola Tinubu. The affected stretch, approximately 500 meters by the Federal Cooperative College, Abuja junction road in Kaduna State, has been causing significant delays in the movement of people, goods, and services.  This vital corridor is a major link within the nation’s socio-economic zones and its failed condition heightened the hardship of motorists and impacted economic activities, greatly. The minister emphasised the strategic importance of the road, reiterating President Tinubu’s commitment to making Nigerian roads motorable and safe, despite existing funding constraints.  He noted that the President has priortised swift interventions on roads where necessary in order...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Concerned about the safety of Abuja residents, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed a popular entertainment center Ibiza Nite Club and Pharmaceutical building, H Medix Wuye, over environmental infractions.  The agency also shut down De Hive Night Club in response to public outcry over escalating noise pollution.  Other affected facilities were Shaanxi Construction Airport Road; Brmley Home, Katampe; Clover Court, Mabushi; Skyscape Real Estate Limited, Sabon Lugbe; Richardo Estate, Wuye; Stepcho Nigeria Limited, Wuye; Bima Shelter, Asokoro; Bilami Nig. Enterprise Kado; Ifedi Homes Estate/Residential Development, Kukwaba District; Java Design Concept Nigeria, Wuse II; and Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited.  Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor stated this on Wednesday during an inspection tour to the affected facilities.  He warned facilities against violating environmen...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja In line with Circular Economy, the  Extended Producer Responsibility Programme (EPR) mandated producers to design products and packaging that can be recycled or reused subsequently.  Circular economy is a model of production and consumption that involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor  stated this on Tuesday while responding to questions on NESREA Half Hour.  NESREA Half Hour is an environmental programme designed by NESREA in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps, that airs on Tuesday's at the National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM Abuja. Represented by the Assistant Director of Plastic, Engr. Chukwudi Nwabuisiaku, he described the circular economy as an economic system where products and packaging are designed to last, ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal Government has ordered immediate closure of damaged carriageway of Keffi flyover to prevent heavy traffic and mitigate risks associated with human and vehicular movement.  The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment of the damaged flyover on Sunday at Keffi, Nasarawa State.  Findings revealed that the collision completely dislodged one of the beams and damaged two others, just as there were visible cracks on the structure, caused by the force of the impact.  Umahi informed that the incident was triggered by an overburdened truck carrying an excavator.  He was accompanied by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mal. Mohammed Ahmed; Deputy Director of Design and Bridges, Engr. Musa Seidu;  Federal Controller of Works, FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman and other officials.  The minister informed that he had directed the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, along wit...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  The Federal Government has stated its readiness to commence nationwide crackdown on vehicles that failed to comply with the estimated vehicle height and load regulations.  Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi disclosed this at the ministry’s headquarters on Thursday in Abuja, in response to recent damages to the structural integrity of key bridges and flyovers nationwide. He noted that the crackdown, to be carried out in collaboration with enforcement agencies, would enforce strict compliance for weight load regulations, clearance heights, and transport configurations across Federal roads and bridges. While referening a recent structural incident at the Keffi Flyover, which prompted an immediate technical evaluation, he reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s critical infrastructure.  Investigation revealed that the damage was caused by a container-laden trailer that exceeded the permitted clearance height, highlighting a nat...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The United Nations Envoy to Nigeria on Road Safety Matters, Dr Yusuf John Suberu has been appointed as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Road Safety Matters to Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State.  To celebrate the milestone, the Corp Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr Mohammed Shehu, alongside the the Director of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services Abuja, Dr Abdul Lateef Bello received the appointee in Abuja.  The SSA was in the road safety headquarters recently to present his letter of appointment as a mark of respect.  Also, the Secretary of the Public Complaints Commission received the new SSA in her office in Abuja.  They commended Governor Ododo for appointing Dr Suberu to the exalted position, considering his track records in road safety affairs in Nigeria and globally.  While wishing Dr Suberu a successful stewardship as SSA, they assured of their maximum cooperation and collaboration where necessary. N...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has expressed sadness over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.  This was disclosed in a statement issued by the National Secretary of NAWOJ, Wasilah Ladan on behalf of the National Chairperson, Hajiya Aishatu Ibrahim in Abuja.  Hajiya Ibrahim described Late Buhari as a disciplined and patriotic leader, traits that earned him tremendous respect from leaders and people globally. The national chairperson recognised the late leader's contributions to the development and unity of Nigeria and hoped that his legacies will continue to inspire women and youths to always strive for the truth and excellence, and make positive impacts in their communities and the nation. Ibrahim prayed for the comfort and strength of Buhari's family and friends during this difficult time, as they mourn the loss of a remarkable leader and loved one.

    Late President Muhammadu Buhari (middle)  Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.   This followed the seven days of National mourning declared by President Bola Tinubu to mourn Buhari’s demise.  Buhari died on Sunday, July 13 in a United Kingdom hospital after a protracted illness. He was aged 82 years. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of President Tinubu. This was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani on Monday in Abuja.  The minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development. "President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with ded...

Muhammadu Buhari   The immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari is dead.  Buhari died on Sunday, July 13 in a United Kingdom hospital after a protracted illness. He was aged 82 years.  His former spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu confirmed the sad news  on Sunday afternoon. Shehu informed that Buhari died on Sunday at a hospital in the United Kingdom. His statement reads: "The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. “May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus.” Briefly Born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari was the military Head of State from 31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985. He was appointed Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund in 1994 during late Sani Abacha's regime, where he supervised major infrastructure development across the country. Buhari contested for the presidency three times in 2003, 2007, and 2...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has formed strategic alliance with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to end drug abuse especially in the nation's capital.  Part of the deal by FCT Chapter of NAWOJ, was also to promote stigma-free reporting of drug-related issues. Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang unveiled the agenda during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of NDLEA on Thursday in Abuja.   While highlighting the urgent need for collaboration between the media and anti-drug agencies, Ita-Ikpang raised an alarm over the growing trend of drug abuse in the nation’s capital, especially among women and young girls. "As female journalists, we are increasingly troubled by the spike in substance abuse cases, especially involving women and girls. These stories often go underreported or are handled in ways that reinforce stereotypes, shame, or fear,” she said. To this end, NAWOJ proposed a one-...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has bagged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) "Supportive Member Award' for commitment to infrastructure development.  It was presented by the National President of NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN during NBA Annual Bar Dinner and Award Night in Sokoto State recently.  The award recognised the minister's exceptional contributions to national development, unwavering commitment to the growth of infrastructure, and dedication to good governance and the rule of law.  Specifically, 'Supportive Member Award' celebrates long-time dedication, commitment, and outstanding efforts towards the growth and sustainability of the Caliphate Bar. In his acceptance remarks, Goronyo  thanked the NBA Sokoto Branch and the national leadership for the recognition, describing it as a source of encouragement to redouble his efforts in the service of the nation.  The minister reaffirmed the commitm...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has unveiled maiden edition of online workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) aimed at strengthening developmental journalism.  Hosted by the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajiya Aisha Bura, the workshop was held over the weekend with the theme: "NewsAssist AI Beyond the Byline: Exploring AI’s Role in Journalism and Investigations." The workshop was part of the associations' mandate in ensuring that members are trained to attain professional excellence and achieve complimentary access to AI.  NewsAssist AI is an innovative AI-powered platform founded by Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi to support newsrooms and journalists in enhancing their workflow and reduce stress associated with news production. The training was led by the Deputy National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Dr. Lilian Okonkwo Ogabu, and the co-convener, Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi, a renowned investigative journalist and founder of 'The...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    Bashir Adeniyi  The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has hailed the Comptroller- General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on his election as the Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.  At the just concluded council meeting in Brussels, Adeniyi emerged victorious in the global customs organisation, comprising 186 customs administrations globally. Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor praised the CG on his elevation to head the highest decision making body of WCO, which validates his impressive track record as an accomplished leader with impeccable qualities.  He noted that Adeniyi recreated the NCS, infusing the needed innovation and modernisation to achieve remarkable progress in the operations of the service at various borders across the country, setting a standard in excellence and commitment to duty. Barikor informed tha...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R: Chieftain of PDP, Otunba Segun Sowunmi; Minister of works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi and Minister of Works for State, Bello M. Goronyo Esq. inspecting the level of work done on Abuja-Kaduna- Kano road at Zuba over the weekend.  Irked by the deplorable condition, the Federal Government has terminated the dualisation of Sections I and II of N777 billion Suleja-Minna road project awarded to Messrs. Salini Nigeria Ltd  over non-performance.  This was even as the Federal Government declared a state of emergency on the Suleja-Minna road with Contract No. 6077, adding that the termination is irrevocable.  Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi disclosed this on Saturday when he led a high-level inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna–Minna dual carriageway.  He noted that President Bola Tinubu was concerned by the deplorable state of the road and directed that urgent action should be taken to fix the road to restore...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Determined to priortise the healthcare of medical practitioners, over 300 journalists have benefitted from free medical check-up courtesy of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council and Nizamiye Hospital.  The outreach which took place over the weekend at the NUJ FCT Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, recorded mainly diagnosis on high blood pressure and sugar level.  Shortly after participating in the outreach, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa praised both the NUJ FCT and Nizamiye hospital for the thoughtful move to care for journalists' health. Musa, who was represented by the Director of Medical Services, Surgeon Commodore Momoh Jimoh Salihu said: "It is actually a laudable event and I want to say kudos to the NUJ FCT and the Nizamiye hospital for organising and conducting this medical outreach for journalists. "This effort will improve the well-being and productivity of journalists i...