Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended the federal government’s decision to toll major roads, saying it’s the only way to maintain the new infrastructure being delivered under President Tinubu’s $1 trillion economic vision. At the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, Umahi stated that past roads failed because they were built without sustainable maintenance plans. “This is the first time a President is building roads meant to last over 50 years,” he said. He explained that under the new PPP model — the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) — tolling ensures private sector investment and long-term upkeep. “Road…
Author: National Update
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has sounded a stark warning, saying Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder due to deepening poverty and hardship. Speaking at Dele Momodu’s leadership lecture on Friday, Obasanjo criticized the failure of leadership and poor investment in education, insisting that Nigeria has no business being poor if China could lift 700 million people out of poverty. “Until we take responsibility and invest in education, integrity, and good governance, we risk national collapse,” he said. He urged African leaders to prioritize inclusive development, warning that the continent would not be taken seriously until poverty is banished.
Finnish prosecutors have officially charged Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish political activist and separatist figure, with inciting terrorism online and participating in a terrorist organization. The National Prosecution Authority stated the alleged crimes occurred in Lahti between 2021 and 2024, and are linked to Ekpa’s activities advocating for the independence of Biafra in southeastern Nigeria. Although the statement withheld the suspect’s name, Finnish public broadcaster YLE identified the individual as Ekpa, a vocal leader of a faction within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Ekpa, who was detained in November 2024, remains in custody and has denied all charges. He also…
In a powerful symbol of national renewal, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has joined forces with the National Sports Commission to create a shared future for Nigerian youth—one built on talent, passion, and purpose. Special adviser on media and publicity in the ministry, Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement explained that the visionary partnership, announced on Thursday in Abuja following a landmark meeting between Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa and Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, aims to spark a nationwide movement by building world-class infrastructure that connects art, culture, creativity, and sport. the statement…
***“Benue Will No Longer Tolerate a Culture of Violence,” Monarch Declares The Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, has delivered a strong message to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), urging the group to take decisive action against violent elements posing as herders. In a meeting with MACBAN representatives, the paramount ruler acknowledged the presence of genuine, law-abiding herders in Benue communities but decried the infiltration of criminal elements whose activities have led to killings, destruction of farmlands, and displacement of innocent residents. “We are not at war with herders,” the Tor Tiv stated. “We…
***New Era of Agro-Wealth as State Champions Resilient, Export-Ready Agriculture A bold new future is unfolding for farmers and young agripreneurs in Kogi State as the government flags off a climate-smart oil palm training program, signaling a shift toward modern, export-driven agriculture. At the heart of the initiative is a powerful message: oil palm farming is no longer just subsistence—it’s big business, and Kogi intends to lead. With the distribution of 1,000 improved seedlings worth ₦2.5 million to farmers in Kogi West, and a plan to replicate the gesture in Kogi East, the state is creating green wealth while fighting…
In a bold step toward economic revitalisation, the Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading the Local Automotive Industry Patronage Bill, 2025, which seeks to compel all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise the procurement of vehicles manufactured in Nigeria. Sponsored by Senator Ndubueze Patrick Chiwuba (Imo North), the bill aims to strengthen the nation’s automotive sector, stimulate job creation, and protect the naira from further depreciation. While leading debate at Thursday’s plenary, Senator Ndubueze lamented Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported vehicles—a practice he said undermines local manufacturers and accelerates inflation. “We have failed to institutionalize the use of…
In a landmark move to confront one of Nigeria’s most devastating public health crises, the Senate has advanced a bill that could permanently change the fight against malaria. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), seeks to establish the National Agency for Malaria Eradication—a powerful, autonomous body solely dedicated to ending the disease that kills more Nigerians than any other. During Thursday’s plenary, Senator Nwoko delivered a stirring address, framing malaria not just as a health challenge, but as a national emergency demanding urgent, coordinated action. “Malaria is responsible for over 600,000 deaths across Africa every year—and Nigeria…
The Nigerian Senate has constituted a 20-member committee to plan a national security summit aimed at addressing the country’s growing security concerns. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the formation of the committee during Thursday’s plenary, following unanimous support through a voice vote. Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), will chair the committee, while Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) will serve as vice chairman. Other members include Senators Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Adebule Idiat (Lagos), Barinada Mpigi (Rivers), Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa), Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo), Osita Ngwu (Enugu), Mohammed Monguno (Borno), Titus Zam (Benue), Ahmed Lawan (Yobe), Abdulaziz Yar’adua (Katsina), and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun).…
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse The Jigawa State Internal Revenue Service (JIRS) has announced a major breakthrough in revenue collection, generating over ₦8 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone — a significant leap from previous records. This was disclosed by the JIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Nasiru Saboda, during a media chat at the opening of a two-day Town Hall and Capacity Building Workshop for civil society organisations and market groups, held at the Manpower Development Institute, Dutse. The event was organised by Prime Initiative and the Tax Justice and Governance Platform, with support from Christian Aid and CISLAC. Dr.…