Author: Amina Mohammed

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, stated that the country must confront the pressing issue of the National Library, which has been abandoned for over 18 years, by ensuring its completion. Obasanjo, who delivered a goodwill message at the 60th anniversary of the National Library of Nigeria in Abuja, described the library as not only a symbol but also a critical necessity. The contract for the library, which stands incomplete on Plot 35, Cadastral Business District in the Federal Capital Territory, was awarded to Reynolds Construction Company in 2006 during Obasanjo’s administration. The contract was worth N8.9 billion, with an…

A witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Musa Odiniya, yesterday told an Abuja High Court that Al-Duraq Investment Limited, which was registered in 2021, got the contract for the construction of the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport in 2022. Odiniya, who is a former Director of Procurement at the Bureau Public Procurement (BPP), said this while testifying in the alleged N2.7 billion contract fraud against a former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika. The EFCC is prosecuting Sirika and his daughter Fatima, Jalal Sule Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Nigeria Limited for abuse of office and contract fraud. They are standing trial before…

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, has called for enhanced technological collaboration among African littoral states to accelerate transit cargo transportation, particularly in regions requiring multiple waterway transits. Speaking on Monday at the 44th Annual Council and 19th Roundtable of the Directors General of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa in Conakry, Guinea, Dantsoho emphasised the need for African countries to leverage their strengths to improve trade facilitation to landlocked nations. “We must work together to improve trade access for landlocked countries, sharing technological advancements and information to enhance service delivery, particularly by…

Reno Omokri, a former presidential media aide has described Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections as a tribalist who only thinks of his people in the South-East. In a post on his X, Omokri despite serving eight years as governor of Anambra, Obi did not build a single school but has been donating money to different schools, mostly in Igboland ahead of the 2027 elections He wrote “Peter Obi, who did not build a single nursery, primary or secondary school or university while he was a two-term Governor of Anambra, has been donating money…

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has announced a new agreement with Dangote Petroleum Refinery that could reduce petrol prices nationwide. IPMAN’s National President, Abubakar Garima, revealed the agreement during a press briefing in Abuja, following a meeting of the association’s National Working Committee. Under the new arrangement, IPMAN will now source PMS (Premium Motor Spirit), AGO (Automotive Gas Oil), and DPK (Dual Purpose Kerosene) directly from Dangote Refinery. Garima stated that this direct access to products would ensure a steady and affordable fuel supply for Nigerians, ultimately driving down costs at the pump. He said, “Following our…

The Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali, seems to have a hang of his ministry, based on the presidential priorities. This is especially so because he also understands how pivotal his ministry is to the success or failure of the President Bola Tinubu administration. After over a year in office, Alkali is confident that the take-off is gradually attaining a degree of stability, and with the appropriate financing, the ministry is sure to deliver on all its mandates. In this interview with Amina Mohammed, he shares the story of the journey so far. Excerpts: It’s been a few months since…

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat says President Bola Tinubu is currently performing a surgical operation to fix Nigeria’s broken legs. He therefore urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the success of the Bola Tinubu administration in its efforts to reposition the country Hamzat made the remarks at the multi-purpose hall of the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja where an event was held to mark his 60th birthday. Speaking on the challenges of governance in Nigeria, Hamzat said “Governance is hard. It is not easy to rule. Nigeria has broken its knees. Asiwaju is doing…

Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello on Wednesday honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former Governor was declared wanted by the EFCC for alleged fraud and corrupt enrichment while in office. A statement by his media team said the decision was after due consultations with family, legal team and political allies. It reads: “The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process. “The case has been before a competent court of…

The Labour Party has been plunged into further turmoil as the Julius Abure-led faction disowned the newly appointed caretaker chairman, Nenadi Usman. Despite a previous Court of Appeal judgment affirming Abure as national chairman, the Labour Party National Convention constituted a caretaker committee, sparking controversy. Earlier, Senator Usman was declared as the chairman of a 29-member national caretaker committee of the Labour Party (LP). Reacting, the Abure-led faction rejected the caretaker committee, insisting that Abure remains the legitimate national chairman. A statement signed by the national publicity secretary, Obiora Ifoh, described Nenadi Usman’s appointment as “illegal and unconstitutional”. The headline…

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the commencement of fuel production by the Dangote refinery will strengthen the nation’s economy by eliminating constant shortages and conserving foreign exchange.Petrol produced from the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote refinery is expected to hit filling stations in the next 48 hours as modalities with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have been formalized.Prince Abiodun, in a statement on Tuesday signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, said that with the refinery coming on stream, one of the most significant challenges faced by Nigeria for more than three decades—reliance on fuel importation—will…