News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo has stated that Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway would redefine Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, just as he pleaded with benefitting communities to support the project.  He disclosed this during an inspection tour of the Sokoto section of the project, a flagship initiative of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  The inspection covered strategic communities including Silame, Katame, Gade, and Binji in Sokoto State, where massive construction activities are currently ongoing. The visit also provided the minister with firsthand insight into the pace, quality, and challenges of the project. Goronyo pointed out that the 1,068-kilometer Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway is not just a road project but a transformational national infrastructure, expressing satisfaction with the progress of work recorded so far. He commended the contractor, Hitech ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Minister of Works, Engr, Nweze David Umahi, Minister of State Works, Bello Mohammad Goronyo and  top management staff of the Federal Ministry of Works at the inspection of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano (Zuba-Diko Junction) recently The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has disclosed that the Federal Government is committed to providing durable infrastructure for Nigerians that would stand the test of time.  He stated this at the inspection of Sections One and Two of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano road projects.  While thanking President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and commitment to the project, he promised that the project would be delivered on time for the benefit of Nigerians.  Umahi said: "We are constructing roads that will last for 100 years — roads designed with modern engineering standards, durability, and sustainability in mind. These projects are for the future of our children and the prosperity of our nation." Minister of State for...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Comrade Ndamadu Sule  In what turned out as a first historic milestone, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike has facilitated free eye surgery for former Council Chairman, Comrade Ndamadu Sule.  The surgery took place at the renowned Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja on August 28, 2025, an impact that ended years of visual impairment for the veteran journalist, thereby improving his quality of life. Expressing deep gratitude, Comrade Sule lauded the Grace Ike-led executive, describing the gesture as an act of compassion and true leadership. “By December 22, it will be seven years since my struggle began. I thank them for spending resources to help me. I remain deeply grateful to the NUJ-FCT Council for their support,” Sule stated. Overwhelmed with joy, Sule offered prayers for continued blessings on  Ike and her executive team, calling on all journalists to support her leadership. "She called me...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja In a fresh move to curtail rising air pollution across the country, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has engaged in series of talks with recyclers in Ogijo community.  Ogijo, a community in Ogun State has been at the centre of mind-blowing environmental pollution given the activities of deviant recyclers. To this end, the DG of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor threatened to revoke the operational licenses of recycling facilities that refused to comply with agreed protocol for remediation of Ogijo community.  Barikor issued the warning on Monday during a meeting with recyclers, whose facilities were sealed in a recent clampdown on recalcitrant facilities in the South West Zone.  News Rider reports that nine facilities operating in the battery recycling sector in Ogijo were sealed for causing environmental pollution in the community through poor slag management, manual battery breaking, uncontro...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja As Nigeria joined the global community for #DrawTheLine Day of Global Climate Action Campaign, the  Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) alongside Oxfam have demanded an end to climate injustice and poverty taunting livelihoods especially in vulnerable communities.  Speaking on behalf of the Conveners, the Executive Director of GIFSEP, Dr. Michael Terungwa David said the essence of the campaign was to draw the line against the use of public funds to support destructive industries that fuel floods, fires, heatwaves, hunger, and poverty.  Instead, he requested that public money should be invested in building a safer, fairer, and more sustainable future for all Nigerians. News Rider reports that September was set aside annually for the  #DrawTheLine Day of Global Climate Action Campaign against climate injustice, poverty, environmental destruction, and the silent genocide facing vulnerable communities...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The debilitating impact of climate change on food security continues to deepen despite programmes and policies mapped out by African leaders to curtail the pitfall.  With the escalating climate hazards across different sectors of the economy, experts have championed plans targetted at eliminating Africa's climate risks.  These dominated discuss at the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Media Workshop on Climate Adaptation, facilitated by Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) in Abuja.  GIFSEF is a non-profit organisation founded on the ideals of environmental education, climate change adaptation and mitigation, renewable energy and sustainable development. The Executive Director of GIFSEP, Dr. Michael Terungwa David lamented that up to nine percent of Africa's national budgets were diverted to unplanned climate response, that often resulted to emergency spending pressure.  More Investments David ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Participants at the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Media Workshop on Climate Adaptation in Abuja recently   The debilitating impact of climate change on food security continues to deepen despite plans by African leaders to curtail the pitfall.  Given the shaky crisis, experts have doubled down on measures expected to mitigate climate change so as to guarantee food sovereignty in the continent.  These dominated discuss at the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Media Workshop on Climate Adaptation, facilitated by Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) in Abuja.  GIFSEF is a non-profit organisation founded on the ideals of environmental education, climate change adaptation and mitigation, renewable energy and sustainable development. The Executive Director of GIFSEP, Dr. Michael Terungwa David lamented that up to nine percent of Africa's national budgets were diverted to unplanned climat...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has descended heavily on recyclers by sealing 29 facilities in the Southwest over environmental pollution.  This was in fulfillment of the promises made to the residents of Ogijo, a community in Ogun State and other neighboring communities on the need to curtail escalating air pollution.  The nine facilities sealed in Ogijo are Vedanta Metal Industries Limited; Metal Manufacturing Nigeria Limited; African Non-Ferrous Limited; True Metals Nigeria Limited; Pristine Elt. Pvt. Limited; Timto Alu Company Limited and Ecomade Industries Limited. Others are BPL Nigeria Limited, Lagos Ibadan E4. Express Way and Hanushi Manufacturing Limited on the Lagos Ibadan Express Way axis.  Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor said that the enforcement exercise is in line with the mandate of NESREA to prohibit activities and processes that undermine environmental qu...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Ministry of Works has pledged to complement the target set by National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to attain digital pathways for Nigeria’s development, while opening up more physical roads.  Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo disclosed this on Wednesday at the 7th Edition of the National Day of Identity Celebrations in Abuja, organised by NIMC with the theme: "Public Key Infrastructure: The Backbone to Digital Public Infrastructure.” He commended the Director- General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote  for her visionary leadership in shaping the nation’s identity, just as he underscored the relevance of the theme.  The minister emphasised that Nigeria’s progress depended not only on strong highways and bridges but also on secured digital highways that connect citizens to opportunities, services and safety.  Goronyo affirmed that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, th...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu The much- touted State of Emergency imposed in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu ends by midnight on Wednesday, September 17., 2025.  With the unfolding development, Tinubu has reinstated the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Ngozi Nma Odu; members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule.  They are expected to resume in their offices on Thursday, September 18, as contained in a statement endorsed by Tinubu on Wednesday.  It reads: "I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance. "This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  L- R: Director General of NESREA, Prof Innocent Barikor and  Regional Manager for West and Central Africa, Wildlife Justice Commission, Abim Isafiade at the signing of MoU between NESREA and WJC in Abuja on Tuesday.  In a fresh move to curb threats on endangered species, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed a deal with Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) to end wildlife trafficking across the country.  The agreement is expected to strengthen wildlife protection and provide the framework to combat transnational organised criminal networks' trafficking in wildlife, fish, and timber. At the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday in Abuja, Director General/CEO of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor noted that the deal will bolster intelligence-sharing, enhance forensic and legal collaboration, and support future programmes under the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja In a powerful display of solidarity, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) alongside various Nigerian women groups have passed a vote of confidence on Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim. This followed recent protests by the ministry's staff that trended on social media. The delegation, led by the President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna Azura; NAWOJ National Chairperson, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim; President of NILOWV, Mrs. Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, and INWOAD President, Evelyn Onyilo, drummed support for the minister's leadership traits during a courtesy visit at the ministry’s headquarters on Friday in Abuja.  Hajiya Ibrahim said: "We are here in our numbers to let you know that Nigerian women are with you. No one will be allowed to disrupt the good work you are doing for women across the country." She noted that NAWOJ watched with admiration the numerous programmes highlighted by...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Nigeria’s trade surplus rose by 44 percent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, compared to the value recorded in the first quarter (Q1).  The total merchandise trade stood at ₦38,037.52 billion in Q2, 2025, an increase of 20.05% over the  ₦31,683.75 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. It also represented an increase by 5.59% compared to the value recorded in the preceding quarter (₦36,024.66 billion). In the quarter under review, exports accounted for 59.81% of total trade with a value of ₦22,750.74 billion, showing an increase of 28.43% over the value recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2024 (₦17,714.41 billion) and by 10.45% compared to the value recorded in Q1, 2025 (₦20,598.48 billion). Crude oil accounted for ₦11,965.98 billion, representing 52.60% of total exports. Non-crude oil exports stood at ₦10,784.76 billion, accounting for 47.40% of total exports; of which non-oil products contributed ₦3,045.55 billion or 13...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja A latest report unveiled by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has revealed that banking and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FCMG) led consumer complaints across key sectors of the Nigerian economy. The report, which covered cases lodged with the commission between March and August, 2025, was compiled from FCCPC complaint resolution platforms, a situation that provided insight into the patterns and prevalence of consumer dissatisfaction across 30 sectors. Key findings indicated that the top 10  sectors were led by banking (3,173 complaints); followed by FCMG (1,543); fintech (1,442), and electricity (458). Others were e-commerce (412); telecommunications (409); retail/wholesale/shopping (329); aviation (243);  information technology (131), and road transport and logistics (114). While 9091 complaints were sorted out during the period under review, the consumer grievances ranged from unfair charges, service failure, ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The residents of Ogijo in Ogun State are in high spirit as the National Environmental Standards and regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and her partners have finalised plans to evacuate poisonous Used Lead-Acid (ULAB) slag from the community. The exercise was the focus of a Stakeholder Engagement Meeting on the strategy for managing ULAB slag in Ogijo, a community which is home to numerous battery recycling facilities.  Slag is a hazardous by-product of smelting used lead-acid batteries, and is primarily made up of iron and lead oxides, along with impurities from battery casings, electrolytes, and additives. It is classified as hazardous waste under both national and international environmental regulations. Highlighting the danger faced by the residents, the Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor said that Ogijo has unfortunately emerged as a hotspot for unregulated and improper disposal of slag. He noted that the continued dumping ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   President Bola Tinubu President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recalled the sacked Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr Salihu Abdullahi Dembos, who vacated the post following some management changes in the agency. Dembos was appointed DG of the TV network by President Tinubu in October 2023. He is expected to complete his three-year tenure. The President also recalled the Executive Director of News, Mr Ayo Adewuyi to complete his three-year tenure, which ends in 2027. Adewuyi was appointed by President Tinubu in 2024. With the latest directive, the previously announced appointments of a director-general, executive director of news, executive director of marketing, and managing director of NTA Enterprises was reversed.  This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga in Abuja. 

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  The Federal Government has stated its readiness to build more transformative projects across priority sectors, aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).  This was the crux of a discuss between the Vice President of IsDB and other stakeholders, organised by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun in Abuja.  Edun described the bank as a steadfast ally in Nigeria’s development journey since 2005, adding that their visit marked a significant moment in the shared journey of partnership, progress, and purpose. He lamented that despite fiscal constraints, Nigeria has continued to honour its obligations, since the Federal Government deeply values the bank’s flexibility in aligning with its realities.  The minister noted the success of IsDB interventions across education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and innovation, describing the projects as lifeline fo...