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FG Threatens to Shut Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Two Weeks

September 21, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The Federal Government has threatened to shut the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway within two weeks if motorists and other road users fail to comply with safety regulations. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, issued the warning on Monday during an inspection of the highway, citing persistent safety breaches, vandalism and illegal activities. Dare said the warning followed a directive from the Minister of Works, David Umahi. “Within two weeks, if there’s no improvement on all these issues, then we have no option than to come back and shutdown this road,” he said. Government Enforces 30km/h Speed Limit Dare said the coastal highway remains under construction and should ordinarily not have been opened to traffic before the completion of its bridges. The Lagos section covers about 103 kilometres across two sections, with 47km in Section 1 and 56km in Section 2. The two sections have 20 major bridges, many of which are still under construction. He expressed concern over motorists driving at excessive speeds, despite the prescribed 30km/h speed limit. “People who come to coastal road and get to a speed of 120 kilometres per hour on the coastal road, and where constructions are going on, bridges, construction are going on,” he said. “We have said your speed on the coastal road must not be more than 30 kilometres per hour.” Dare said accidents were occurring on the highway “almost every other day” and warned that the government could no longer ignore the situation. Police Deployment, Crackdown on Illegal Activities The controller said the government had reached an agreement with the Lagos State Police Command to increase security along the highway. He also warned articulated vehicle operators against parking on the road and announced a crackdown on illegal U-turns, Okada motorcycles, tricycles, hawking, animal grazing and illegal structures. “We don’t want Okada motorcycles, tricycles. We don’t want them on the coastal road,” Dare said. Vandals Target Highway Infrastructure Dare identified vandalism as another major challenge, saying at least five kilometres of ClearVu fencing had been removed, while about 18 kilometres of concrete covers had also been vandalised. “They come in the night, they remove the ClearVu fence that was used to barricade the communities from the coastal highway,” he said. The government is considering replacing vulnerable sections of the steel fencing with concrete barriers and deploying CCTV cameras to strengthen surveillance. 40 Coastal Guards Approved Dare also disclosed that the government had approved the recruitment of 40 coastal guards for the first section of the highway, with four expected to be drawn from each community along the route. The guards will work with the police to provide community-level surveillance, while additional personnel will be recruited for Section 2. He said the coastal guards would be reorganised and trained under the supervision of the Lagos State Police Command.

FG Moves to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide in Nigeria

September 11, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The Federal Government has begun the process of decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria after the Federal Executive Council approved the position of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the matter. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday during the commemoration of the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day. Salako, who the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, represented at the event, said the government would now forward the proposal to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process. The minister described the proposed reform as both a legal and public health measure, stressing that people experiencing mental health crises need care and support rather than punishment. “A person experiencing a mental health crisis should be met with care, support and appropriate intervention, rather than punishment. “Removing the fear of criminal sanctions can help reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking and create greater opportunities for timely intervention,” Salako said. FG to Strengthen Mental Health Support Salako stressed that decriminalising attempted suicide alone would not end suicide in Nigeria. He said the government would continue to strengthen mental health services and expand community-based support. According to him, the government would also prioritise early identification and intervention while encouraging more open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Salako identified the National Mental Health Act 2021, National Mental Health Policy 2023 and National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030 as key policy instruments guiding Nigeria’s response to suicide and mental health challenges. He added that the National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide had consulted policymakers and other stakeholders as part of efforts to advance the proposed reform. Government Plans Better Suicide Data Speaking on Nigeria’s mental health data, the National Coordinator, Mental Health Programme, Dr Tunde Ojo, acknowledged gaps in available statistics on suicide and attempted suicide. Ojo said the ministry was conducting surveys and using other data-gathering methods to develop more accurate and verifiable national statistics within the next year. The National Coordinator, National Action for Suicide Prevention, Dr Ade Bash, also reaffirmed the ministry’s plans to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and strengthen community-based interventions. Stakeholders at the event welcomed the Federal Government’s move to decriminalise attempted suicide and pledged their continued support for the legislative process. They also backed efforts to strengthen suicide prevention programmes, improve access to mental healthcare and provide better support for people experiencing mental health crises in Nigeria.

FG Pays $100,000 Each to D’Tigress Players for Fifth Afrobasket Triumph

September 10, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

FG Pays 0,000 Each to D’Tigress Players for Fifth Afrobasket Triumph

The National Sports Commission has confirmed that each player of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has received the naira equivalent of $100,000 as part of the Presidential Reward for their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket. The commission also confirmed the payment of the naira equivalent of $50,000 to each of the team’s officials. The accounts of the players and officials were credited on September 9, 2026, with the NSC saying all recipients had confirmed receipt of the funds. D’Tigress won the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title for a record fifth consecutive time and seventh overall in 2025.The commission said the payment completed all components of the rewards promised to members of the team by President Bola Tinubu. In a statement signed by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Kehinde Ajayi, on Wednesday, the NSC said the Presidential Rewards comprised three-bedroom flats in Abuja, national honours of the Order of the Niger and the cash payments. “With the payment, the entire presidential rewards promised to each member of the team by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR comprising a 3-Bedroom flat in Abuja, national honours of OON and Naira equivalent of $USD 100,000 to players and $USD 50,000 to officials have been fully redeemed and completed,” the statement said. The commission recalled that the players and officials received the title documents for their three-bedroom apartments in Abuja and certificates of national honours in February 2026 during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Lyon, France. The NSC said the documents were duly signed by Tinubu.It added that the cash payment followed the team’s participation in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany. The commission also disclosed that the Super Falcons, who were similarly promised Presidential Rewards, had received title documents for their three-bedroom apartments in Abuja and certificates of national honours. It said the Falcons received the documents during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in July and August 2026, adding that the cash component of their reward was expected to be paid before their next official engagements. The commission said the Super Falcons were promised the same cash rewards of the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each official. It said the rewards were part of the Federal Government’s effort to prioritise the welfare of Nigerian athletes. The statement said, “This unprecedented rewards to the players and athletes by the Federal Government of Nigeria is in alignment with the Renewed Hope initiative and Shared Prosperity agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR which places athletes’ welfare and appropriate rewards top on the priority list. ”The commission thanked Tinubu for his support for Nigerian sports, saying his policies had given impetus to its reform agenda and efforts to develop a sustainable sports economy. It also appreciated the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation for their collaboration in implementing the rewards. The NSC said the collaboration ensured that the Presidential Rewards were implemented “in record time within the due process requirements.”

Japa: FG Plans 20,000 Annual Medical Admissions, Unveils Six Simulation Centres

September 11, 2026August 30, 2026 by admin

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish world-class medical simulation centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, while aiming to increase annual admissions into medical schools to 20,000 within the next three years. The move is part of efforts to expand the country’s healthcare workforce and strengthen practical training for medical and other health professional students amid concerns over the migration of Nigerian-trained healthcare workers. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this while receiving the report of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Medical Simulation Committee. This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Office of the Minister of Education and signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister, Ikharo Attah. Alausa said the proposed centres would provide world-class practical training for medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy and other allied healthcare students. He said, “I would like to thank the members of the committee that has worked so hard and assiduously to get us to this point in which we are now talking about building several simulation centres across the country to provide world-class training for our medical students, dental students, nursing students, pharmacy students and other allied healthcare professionals.” According to the minister, the centres would be established across the six geopolitical zones and would support the Federal Government’s plan to expand Nigeria’s healthcare workforce under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Alausa said the expansion had become necessary following the significant increase in enrolment into health-related programmes. He disclosed that nursing enrolment, which stood at about 38,000 three years ago, had risen to more than 120,000 students across nursing schools in the country. The minister added that annual admission into medical schools had increased from about 5,000 students when Tinubu assumed office to almost 12,000 currently. “Today, I’m happy to report that we’re admitting almost 12,000 students. Our goal in the next three years will be to increase the number of annual medical student enrolment in medical schools to about 20,000,” he said. He added that the number of students admitted into pharmacy and dental schools had also increased. The minister commended the Chairman of the Medical Simulation Committee, Dr Wale Suleiman, and other members for their work in preparing the report and advancing plans for the centres. He said the initiative would help ensure that the increasing number of students entering healthcare professions received adequate practical training. The planned expansion comes against the backdrop of persistent concerns over the migration, popularly known as “Japa,” of Nigerian doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals seeking better remuneration, working conditions and career opportunities abroad. The migration of health workers has raised concerns among professional bodies and health-sector stakeholders about its impact on Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system, particularly shortages of skilled personnel in public hospitals. With the proposed simulation centres, the government is seeking to expand training capacity while improving the quality of practical education for a growing pool of health professional students. Alausa described the development as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving education and developing the workforce required to meet Nigeria’s future needs. He said, “President Bola is committed to providing the best and the highest quality of education to every child in this country. “We are seeing it, we are seeing the result now. It’s another manifestation of President Bola’s fervent and benevolent belief in the progress and benefit of the future of Nigeria.”

FG: 668,000 Electricity Meters Deployed and Installed at Customers’ Premises

August 27, 2026 by admin

The Federal Government says about 60 per cent of active electricity customers across Nigeria have now been provided with meters, as part of ongoing efforts to close the metering gap and curb arbitrary estimated electricity billing. The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, following the second meeting of the National Council on Privatisation for 2026, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. According to the statement, the metering exercise is being carried out under Phase 1 of the $500m World Bank-financed Distribution Sector Recovery Programme, alongside initiatives such as the Presidential Metering Initiative. The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi, said 668,000 meters had so far been installed out of the 1,033,000 meters delivered under the programme. “On various issues, we provided updates on meter deployment under Phase 1 of the World Bank-financed Distribution Sector Recovery Programme. We have implemented 60 percent of the meters that have been delivered in the country out of 1,033,000. So far, we have deployed and installed 668,000 meters on customers’ premises,” he said. The government said the metering initiative was aimed at closing the electricity metering gap and eliminating arbitrary estimated billing for registered customers across the country. The BPE boss also disclosed that about 17 states had established State Electricity Regulatory Commissions since April 2024, following the transition provided for under the Electricity Act. He said Akwa Ibom State became one of the latest states to establish its own electricity regulatory commission in July, but noted that some aspects of the implementation of the law still required adjustment. “Some fine-tuning is required here and there in the implementation of that Act,” Gbeleyi said. He added that the council had directed key stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Power, Special Adviser to the President on Power, NERC and BPE, to engage on proposed amendments to the law. “Council has directed that stakeholders, led by the Attorney General of the Federation, the Honourable Minister of Power, the Special Adviser on Power, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Oil and Gas, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the BPE and all other critical stakeholders, should engage constructively so as to streamline and harmonise the Federal Government’s position in terms of the required amendments to fine-tune the Electricity Act,” he said. Also speaking, the Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, said the government was working to ensure Nigerians derived greater value from electricity and other critical sectors of the economy. “We are working concertedly and in a very collaborative manner to ensure that we give value, either in electricity or in telecoms—whichever area—to make sure that Nigerians benefit from this government,” Tegbe said. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Power, the Attorney-General of the Federation’s representative, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and private members of the council.

Motorists Stranded as FG Commences Emergency Repairs on Damaged Ekiti Highway

August 25, 2026 by admin

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, on Tuesday visited Ekiti State to inspect the condition of federal roads, as stranded motorists raised concerns over the deteriorating state of the Ifaki-Oye-Kabba Road. Goronyo, who visited the Ifaki-Oye-Kabba Road, where road users groaned over a bad portion around Oye-Ekiti and articulated vehicles had been stuck for days, expressed concern over the hardship being experienced by motorists stranded along the route. An articulated vehicle driver, Quasm Abudu, who said he had been stuck at a particular spot on the highway for about three days, lamented the hardship he had faced and the opportunities he had missed while stranded on the road. A road user and resident of Oye-Ekiti, Mr Bolade Olowo, who spoke at the bad spot, described the situation as “traumatic and unpalatable”, lamenting that the continued deterioration of the road was crippling socio-economic activities. He said, “The continued deterioration of the road is crippling socio-economic activities. It has cut off communities in the local government and along the route. It also poses a serious security threat in the area.” Olowo appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency and other relevant authorities to urgently mobilise resources towards fixing the road. “The route links Ifaki, Oye, Ayegbaju, Ilupeju, Itapa and Osin-Ekiti, among communities critical to the economic activities of residents in Oye Local Government in Ekiti State, leading to other states of the country, where heavy-duty trucks pass to other states,” he said. The minister of state, who spoke at the bad portion while emergency palliative works had already begun to make the road passable and free trucks that had been stranded for days, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to fixing the Ifaki-Oye-Kabba Road within the shortest possible time. Goronyo said the road, which linked the South-West with the northern part of the country, was a critical economic corridor that required urgent intervention, disclosing that a contract for the rehabilitation of the road was awarded to Gamji in 2025. He said, “The contractor had been mobilised, but was complaining of inadequate funding. The Federal Government will review the funding arrangement and ensure that the contractor is adequately mobilised to return to site.” He said the government had, however, begun immediate intervention through FERMA, adding that equipment and materials had already been deployed to the affected section. He said, “We want to appeal to all the people concerned that they should be patient with us. We will make sure that we put this road to use very, very soon. “My appeal to the agitated motorists is that they should please bear with us. We are deploying materials to this place and they should create a conducive atmosphere for the contractor to be able to do this work within 48 hours. “We are going to block the entrance from the Ifaki end to ensure that no articulated vehicles ply this road again until this project, I mean this palliative arrangement, is completed,” Goronyo said. The Minister of State, Goronyo (holding a white sheet), with other officials of the Ministry of Works, inspecting the failed portion along Ifaki-Oye-Kabba Road The Minister of State also inspected the Efon-Iwaraja Road, where car owners were seen turning back owing to a ditch at a particular spot on the road and using another route to their destinations. Goronyo promised immediate remedial work on the failed portion of the road, assuring motorists and residents that the Federal Government would not allow the federal road to remain impassable. Goronyo said, “I am assuring residents and motorists that the Federal Government would undertake immediate remedial work on the Efon-Iwaraja Road to restore access and ease the hardship being experienced by road users.” The minister of state, who said the intervention was part of the broader directive by President Tinubu to address critical road failures across the country and ensure the free flow of traffic, said the Tinubu administration was leaving no stone unturned in ensuring good roads across the country. He said the Tinubu administration was undertaking major projects, including the about 1,068km Illela-Sokoto-Badagry Highway, the about 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road. He said, “The massive investment in road infrastructure is necessary because roads are central to virtually every aspect of the economy. Once you have roads, you have security, you have employment generation, you have agriculture, you have healthcare. You have everything. Roads lead to prosperity.” Goronyo, while reiterating the Federal Government’s determination to complete ongoing projects and use improved road infrastructure to stimulate commerce, industries, employment and food security, said, “There is no president in the history of this country that has given priority to road infrastructure like President Bola Tinubu. “For the past one week, the Minister of Works, David Umahi; myself; all the directors in the ministry, all the SAs and SSAs of Mr President; we have been crisscrossing the roads across the country. We have met a very difficult situation, and we are fixing it,” the minister of state said.

FG Declares Tuesday Public Holiday to Mark Eid-ul-Mawlid

August 21, 2026 by admin

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday in commemoration of this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani. Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the occasion, urging Nigerians to reflect on the values of compassion, humility and service associated with the life of the Prophet Muhammad. “Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others. “These are qualities our nation needs now more than ever, and I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them,”he said. The minister also called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace and national cohesion, stressing that maintaining unity remained a collective responsibility. He urged citizens to celebrate the occasion with restraint and mutual respect, while wishing the Muslim community a joyous and peaceful Eid. Tunji-Ojo further reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration to protecting lives and property and ensuring the sustenance of peace across the country.

FG Intensifies Call for Action Against Sexual Violence

June 20, 2026 by admin

The Federal Government has advocated a collective, society-wide effort to eradicate conflict-related sexual violence, calling on relevant stakeholders to reinforce measures aimed at prevention, victim protection, and accountability in order to better protect vulnerable groups in affected communities across the country. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the call in a statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict globally, on Saturday in Abuja. She said conflict-related sexual violence remained one of the gravest consequences of insecurity, terrorism, violent extremism and armed conflict, with far-reaching implications for peace, stability and national development efforts. According to her, the crimes inflict lasting physical, emotional and psychological harm on survivors, while weakening families, destabilising communities and creating obstacles to recovery, reconciliation and social cohesion. Sulaiman-Ibrahim said women and girls bore the greatest burden of conflict-related sexual violence, although men and boys were also affected, often facing stigma and challenges in accessing support. She described sexual violence in conflict as a threat to national security, social cohesion and sustainable development, stressing the need for coordinated interventions to address the growing menace effectively. The minister called on security agencies, judicial institutions, schools, healthcare providers and social welfare services to strengthen collaboration and improve preventive and response mechanisms against the menace nationwide. She also urged traditional and religious leaders to support efforts aimed at preventing violence, protecting vulnerable groups and promoting values that encouraged peace, dignity and mutual respect everywhere. Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on community organisations and development partners to deepen awareness campaigns, strengthen prevention efforts and expand survivor-support initiatives aimed at addressing conflict-related sexual violence nationwide. She appealed to parents and caregivers to promote values of respect, empathy and peaceful coexistence within families and communities, describing such efforts as essential to violence prevention. According to her, strong families remain the first line of defence against violence, abuse, exploitation and radicalisation, helping to nurture responsible citizens and strengthen social stability nationwide. The minister urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report cases of abuse, trafficking, exploitation and other forms of violence, emphasising the importance of community participation in prevention efforts. She also called on the creative industry to use its influence to challenge harmful norms, promote positive social values and encourage attitudes that rejected violence and discrimination. Sulaiman-Ibrahim said filmmakers, musicians, broadcasters, content creators and social media influencers could help shape attitudes, raise awareness and inspire behavioural change across communities throughout the country. She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting survivors through access to justice, healthcare and psychosocial services aimed at promoting recovery, healing and restoration of dignity. The minister also advocated increased investment in shelters, Sexual Assault Referral Centres, legal aid services, research initiatives and institutional coordination mechanisms to strengthen survivor protection nationwide. She said preventing violence must remain central to national efforts to protect women, children and other vulnerable populations from abuse, exploitation and conflict-related harm across Nigeria. Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged Nigerians to stand with survivors and work collectively to build safer communities free from violence and exploitation, while promoting peace, justice and inclusion for all. NAN

BREAKING Eid-el-Kabir: FG Declares Wednesday, Thursday Public Holiday

May 25, 2026 by admin

The Federal Government has announced Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays in observance of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani. According to the statement, the declaration reflects the Federal Government’s respect for the faith and spiritual heritage of millions of Nigerian Muslims observing the festival alongside the global Islamic community. Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslim faithful in Nigeria and the diaspora on the occasion, describing Eid-ul-Adha as a festival of deep spiritual significance rooted in sacrifice, obedience to God and compassion for humanity. The minister urged Nigerians to use the holiday period for prayers and reflection for the peace, security and prosperity of the country. “The Federal Government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen,” the statement read. He also called on citizens to embrace the spirit of brotherhood, unity and peaceful coexistence during the celebration. The Federal Government wished Muslims across the country a peaceful, blessed and joyous Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

FG Declares Friday, May 1st, Public Holiday

April 30, 2026 by admin

THE Federal Government has declared Friday, 1st May 2026, a public holiday to celebrate this year’s International Workers Day. The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on behalf of the Federal Government. He congratulated workers across the country on this year’s celebration. The Minister, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani,on Wednesday, commended Nigerian workers for their hard work and dedication to national development. He noted that their efforts are essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity. He encouraged workers to embrace patriotism, productivity, and dedication to their duties. These qualities are crucial for sustainable development. The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to supporting the welfare and security of all workers and creating a favorable environment for economic growth. While wishing workers a happy celebration, the Minister urged all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding. He encouraged everyone to use this occasion to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in building the nation.