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Keyamo Justifies N712 Billion For MMA

August 3, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has highlighted details of how the N712 billion approved by the Federal Executive Council, (FEC) for renovation of Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos will be spent.

The Minister pointed out that the Federal Government’s decision to commit N712 billion to the renovation of the Airport in Lagos is to make it compare with others internationally.

He described the project as a necessary overhaul to modernise the country’s busiest airport and accommodate surging passenger traffic.

Keyamo provided a detailed breakdown of the plan in a statement posted on his verified X account on Sunday.

He explained that the project, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) a few days ago, will focus on the full rehabilitation and redesign of Terminal One—the older of the two international terminals in Lagos.

Keyamo noted that the terminal, built in 1979, has become structurally decrepit after decades of neglect and overwhelming use.

According to him, the facility will be stripped down to its structural carcass, including removal of the roof, before being redesigned and rebuilt to meet modern international standards.

The work will affect both Wings D and E of the terminal.

He added that the newer Terminal Two, completed with a Chinese loan and made operational during President Tinubu’s first month in office, will also be expanded.

The expansion includes enlarging the apron to accommodate more aircraft, especially wide-body jets.

To ease vehicular movement in and out of the airport, Keyamo disclosed that two new independent ring roads will be constructed, one for arrivals and the other for departures alongside a new bridge that will lead directly to the upper floor of Terminal Two’s departure lounge.

This, he said, will correct a design flaw that currently forces travellers to haul luggage up escalators.

The minister also revealed that the new designs incorporate smart technology features to transform the airport into a world-class facility capable of competing globally.

Keyamo emphasised that the entire project will be funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, established from savings made after the removal of fuel subsidies, with no loans involved.

He assured that as work progresses, journalists, civil society organisations, lawmakers, and other interested Nigerians will be invited on routine tours of the site to monitor progress and ensure transparency.

In defending the cost, Keyamo urged Nigerians to compare similar modern airport projects around the world, including those in African countries like Angola, to appreciate the value of the investment.

He added that the Bureau of Public Procurement scrutinised and approved the final cost.

HURIWA Raises Posers Over Airport Renovation Contract

Ayodele Oni

August 3, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described as wasteful approval by the Federal Executive Council, (FEC), the sum of N712 billion for the upgrade of Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos.

It expressed grave concern over the FEC recent approval of a staggering ₦712 billion for the rehabilitation, upgrade, and modernisation of Terminal One of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

The association described the project as fiscally reckless, opaque in process, and potentially tied to ulterior political motives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued to the press by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA faulted the cost, the procedure of contract award, and the absence of public accountability in the entire transaction.

The rights group said that in the midst of Nigeria’s worsening economic situation—including skyrocketing inflation, rising debt obligations, and mass poverty—such a monumental expenditure on a single airport terminal is not only questionable but insensitive.

The approval, announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, involves stripping Terminal One down to its core structure and rebuilding it with new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

The project was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and will be executed over 22 months, funded entirely through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.

HURIWA strongly questioned how a partial rehabilitation of an existing airport terminal could justify a price tag of over $500 million, especially when benchmarked against international examples where entirely new and far larger airports have been constructed for relatively similar or even lesser amounts.

The group cited the ongoing construction of the Techo International Airport in Cambodia, which is scheduled for completion in September 2025 at a cost of $1.5 billion.

“The Cambodian airport is being built entirely from scratch across 2,600 hectares, includes three runways, a cargo terminal, and will have capacity for over 50 million passengers annually.

“It represents a scale of development that far exceeds what is planned for Terminal One in Lagos, yet its cost is just double that of the Nigerian terminal refurbishment.

“In contrast, the MMIA terminal, already decades old and the subject of repeated refurbishments under the administrations of Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, continues to attract billions in public funding without any comprehensive audit of past expenditures or outcomes.

“Under President Buhari, the federal government reportedly secured a loan of ₦106 billion to renovate the same terminal,”

HURIWA questioned why, in less than a decade, the same facility now requires another ₦712 billion for what the government claims is a “complete overhaul.”

The group stated that this pattern of repeated, high-value spending on the same infrastructure raises serious questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s project evaluation and procurement systems.

HURIWA warned that the award of such a contract, without a publicly advertised and competitive bidding process, undermines the Public Procurement Act and makes a mockery of the federal government’s pledge to promote transparency and fiscal discipline.

The association called on the National Assembly to urgently summon the Minister of Aviation and other relevant stakeholders for a public hearing on the project, with a view to suspending it until a full breakdown of the proposed expenditure, scope of work, and selection process is made public.

According to HURIWA, there is growing suspicion that such massive infrastructure budgets are part of a larger agenda to raise funds for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group alleged that the hurried approvals and inflated project costs across various ministries may be indicative of a desperate bid by political actors to secure financial war chests.

PSC Disowns Online Recruitment Of Constables Into NPF

Ayodele Oni

August 3, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has explained that a purported ongoing recruitment of Constables into the Nigeria Police Force is only happening on social media as it categorically denied reports claiming that the 2025 recruitment exercise for Police Constables has commenced.

A statement on Sunday, by the Commission warned members of the public to disregard the misleading information and remain vigilant against fraudsters attempting to exploit the recruitment process.

In a statement signed by the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC described the reports as “misleading and mischievous,” clarifying that no official recruitment exercise has begun.

“The Commission wishes to state unequivocally that it has not commenced any recruitment exercise for the Nigeria Police Force for the year 2025,” the statement read.

“Prospective applicants and the general public are advised to ignore the fake publications and wait for formal announcements through official channels.”

The PSC expressed concern over the recurring activities of fraudsters who prey on job seekers by spreading false recruitment notices online.

The Commission called on security agencies to intensify efforts in tracking and apprehending the perpetrators behind these fraudulent schemes.

“These criminal elements must be fished out and brought to justice. The Commission will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the integrity of its recruitment process,” the statement warned.

The PSC further reassured Nigerians that the police recruitment process, once officially declared open, will be transparent, merit-based, and guided strictly by established rules and procedures.

“Any recruitment process will follow due process and will be adequately publicized through verified government platforms,” it emphasized.

The public is advised to remain cautious, avoid engaging with unauthorized websites or agents, and report suspicious recruitment messages to the appropriate authorities

Woman Conceals Cocaine In Lipsticks, Arrested By NDLEA

Ayodele Oni

August 3, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has continued its onslaught to rid the society of drugs.

The Agency recorded multiple arrests and seizures across the country in its ongoing operations against drug trafficking, with illicit substances discovered hidden in items ranging from vehicle parts and cosmetics to footwear.

Its spokesman, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday catalogued series of breakthrough of the agency across the country.

At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, NDLEA officers intercepted a consignment of cocaine and tramadol concealed in 71 vehicle side mirrors destined for Libreville, Gabon.

“The first batch of the consignment consisting of 57,420 pills of tramadol 225mg and 57 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.60kg was intercepted in a cargo going to Gabon on Air Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday 19th July,”

A cargo agent, Ihekweme Osinachi Benedict, was arrested in connection with the shipment. Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Uzochukwu Godspower Chukwurah, from whom eleven more parcels of cocaine were recovered at his residence. The total weight of cocaine seized rose to 2.60kg.

In a separate operation, NDLEA officers arrested a businesswoman, Mrs. Nwafor Roseann Nneka, at her shop in the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos, following the discovery of 100 grams of cocaine and 300 grams of phenacetine concealed in lipsticks heading to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

“Mrs. Nwafor admitted she bought the lipsticks used to conceal the illicit drugs while her husband, who is currently on the run, handled the actual concealment,” Babafemi stated.

In Abuja, three dispatch riders—Sabo Sule (24), Samuel Nnamdi (28), and Idris Jibrin (28)—were arrested during a stop-and-search operation in Gwarimpa, Jahi, and Galadimawa areas.

Officers recovered 149.8 grams of Canadian Loud from them. On the Abaji-Gwagwalada expressway, two other suspects, Aliyu Abubakar (25) and Adekunle Agbabiaka (30), were caught with 91.1kg of skunk.

In Lagos, Joseph Michael was picked up in Mushin with 3.3kg of Colorado, while Ibrahim Sulaiman was found with 16.5 litres of skuchies, a locally brewed drink mixed with drugs, in Iwaya, Yaba.

In Benue State, Hussein Yusuf (37) was arrested with 100,000 tramadol capsules on the Vandeikya-Ogoja road. In Edo, NDLEA raided a warehouse in Ekpoma and arrested William Alabi (44) with 233.5kg of skunk.

At the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri, 160 tramadol pills were found hidden in footwear. Umar Aminu (38) was arrested on arrival.

In Ogun, Yahaya Aminat Seyi was arrested with 7,218 pills of opioids. In Oyo, Oladeji Saka (54) was arrested in Ibadan with 77.5kg of skunk. In Delta, Benson Izah (40) was caught with a combination of 12.5kg of skunk, 1kg of tramadol, and 14.4 litres of codeine.

In Kano, Bashir Gambo (30) was arrested in Yar Yasa, Tudun Wada Local Government Area, with 61kg of skunk.

Bayelsa officers arrested Chief Emeka Opara (52) and Onuoha Chidinma (25) in Amassoma with 41,705 tramadol capsules and other opioids. In Osun, Kabiru Ayinde (40) and Roqeeb Adekanmbi (25) were arrested in Iwo with 90kg of skunk, 36.3 grams of methamphetamine, a Toyota bus, and ₦228,200 cash.

Afrobasket 24: Again, Nigeria Makes History As D’Tigress Zooms Into Finals

Akinwale Kasali

August 3, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

D’Tigress, Nigeria’s Female Basketball Team, has made history as the first African Female Basketball Team to make it to five consecutive finals. This follows the Team’s 75-68 victory over arch rivals, Senegal.

The D’Tigress played the game of their lives to beat their Senegalese counterpart and qualified for the final of the FIBA AfroBasket final in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

D’Tigress who emulated their Women Football National Side, the Super Falcons, overcame a six- point deficit going into the final quarter to win by seven points and qualified for the final.

D’Tigress has not lost an AfroBasket match since 2015, hence maintained its 10 year unbeaten run going into the final.

The Nigerian female Basketball team is chasing its fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and Seven overall.

In the thrilling semi final match Saturday, the Nigerian Ladies won three out of the four quarters to emerge overall winner in the match.

D’Tigress won the first quarter 22-17, won the second 21-20, lost the third 9-21 hence losing by 52-58 going into the last quarter.

The Nigerian team, however, turned the tie on its head in the last quarter winning by 23-10 to win by 75-68.

The D’Tigress will take on the winner of the second semi final match between South Sudan and Mali in the final.

“Why I Resigned As Group Chief Executive Officer NNPC Ltd” – Ojulari

The Source

August 3, 2025

Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari- NNPCL — Bayo Ojulari

By Charles Igbo

Denials, allegedly, from the Presidential Villa notwithstanding, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Petroleum Company Ltd, has confirmed his resignation from the scandal-prone Company. He, however, dismissed the news which made the rounds on Saturday that he was forced to resign by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukayode and the Director General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi, after both men arranged his “abduction” by security personnel.

Ojulari said he resigned voluntarily and on his own terms after due consultations with “higher authorities” in Abuja. He, however, failed to name those he consulted.

The story of Ojulari’s forced resignation was first broken by the Peoples Gazette. But in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, Ojulari dismissed his abduction as fiction, fit for Nollywood. “We categorically state that the story is nothing more than a poorly scripted work of fiction better suited for a Nollywood thriller than credible journalism”, he said.

The text of Ojulari’s statement entitled “REBUTTAL: BAYO OJULARI CLARIFIES RESIGNATION, DISMISSES ABDUCTION CLAIMS AS FICTION”, reads in part:

“Unlike the Gazette’s dramatic tale of midnight kidnappings and shadowy coups, Mr Ojulari voluntarily tendered his resignation after due consultations with higher authorities in Abuja.

“His decision followed the recent official trip to Kigali for an oil and gas conference – a legitimate business engagement aimed at advancing Nigeria’s energy sector interest

“I was neither arrested nor strong-armed into resigning. In fact, the only ‘pressure’ I faced was from my own conscience and commitment to accountability after the unnecessary controversy stirred around the Kigali trip.

“My resignation was a personal decision, submitted through the appropriate channels – not at gunpoint in some spy movie scenario.

“If I were to be ‘forced out’, it certainly wouldn’t be in silence – I’d have, at least, negotiated a better headline.

“As for the bizarre insinuations about British-Nigerian businesswoman, Olatimbo Ayinde, I maintain that I have no personal or professional dealings with her and finds it curious that her name keeps appearing in unrelated matters.

“I’ve spent decades in the oil and gas industry, building a reputation on transparency and expertise – not gossip columns.

“While Peoples Gazette may thrive on conspiracy theories and clickbait, the truth remains simple: Mr Ojulari resigned honorably, the NNPCL continues its operations uninterrupted, and Nigeria’s energy sector remains focused on progress – not Palace intrigue.

“We urge the public to disregard this fictional account, and instead rely on verified statements from official channels. After all, in the words of Mr Ojulari, ‘If I were going to stage a dramatic exit, I’d at least make sure it came with a soundtrack and better lighting.”

Ojulari goes into the history of Nigeria’s oil industry as the shortest serving Boss of the NNPC and, the first to, perhaps, voluntarily resign from office.

He was appointed on 2nd April, 2025, by the President Bola Tinubu Government after the President sacked the former Board and then Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.

Ojulari’s short tenure has, in the past couple of weeks, dogged by petitions and protests against him from some quarters alleging unwholesome businesses.

No formal statement has been released by either the Presidency or the NNPCL.

“How Do You Feel Fielding A Candidate To Challenge Wife Of Lawmaker Abducted, Murdered Under Your Watch?” – APC Gov Candidate Asks Soludo

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 3, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has strongly condemned the decision of the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in Anambra State to field a candidate to replace a State Lawmaker who was kidnapped and subsequently killed owing to the serious challenges facing the State under the Party’s watch.

The Source reports that Honourable Justice Azuka, the Lawmaker that represented Onitsha North I State Constituency on the platform of the Labour Party, LP, was, on the eve of 2024 Christmas, abducted while going home for the festive period, and killed by the gunmen who dumped his decomposing body by the second Niger Bridge, Onitsha.

His wife, Mrs Justina Azuka, is currently in the run for the August 16 by-election, seeking to replace her late husband on the platform of the new Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Although flying the flag of the ADC, her quest is said to be enjoying sympathy and support across party lines, with not a few openly expressing their readiness to help actualize her ambition.

In an interactive session with the Media at the weekend after a ” thank you visit” to the 21 Local Government Areas of the State, the APC candidate for the November 8, 2025 Anambra Governoship polls, Prince Nicolas Ukachukwu, noted that the APGA-led administration in the State, does not have any moral grounds in seeking to inherit the seat of someone who was brutally murdered under its watch.

The APC candidate who will alongside others , be squaring up against Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo in the off-circle Governorship contest, wondered how the APGA, and the Anambra State Government will be feeling fielding a candidate to challenge the wife of someone whose life was brutally cut short due to its lackadaisical attitude towards insecurity in the State.

“How do they feel challenging a widow who has been jointly adopted by the LP and ADC as their sole candidate in the forthcoming by-election?

“How do they feel, also, about all the people who have died, disappeared without a trace, assassinated or kidnapped as a result of insecurity in Anambra State under the APGA Government of Prof Chukwuma Soludo’.?

“Hon Justice Azuka died as a result of the inability of the APGA Government to provide security, and now the party is fielding a candidate to challenge his wife.

“They do not care about people’s security as politics is more important to APGA than the life of anyone. If you die as a result of insecurity by their Government, they will just move on.

“Security is very paramount and we will use various methods to safeguard our people when we take over the administration of the State”, Ukachukwu stated.

He however, expressed happiness that despite the traumatic security situation in the State, the people are enthusiastic about the prospect of a new dawn in the.

According to him, his tour of the Local Councils of the State has afforded him the opportunity to really appreciate the growing expectations of the people concerning a new Anambra State.

“The people were visibly ecstatic about the prospect of change and a new Anambra State. The people struggled to hold back tears. They openly told our team that ,at last, there is hope that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

“They are united in their strong belief that this is the time for Anambra State to rise to become the true light of the nation.

“When Anambra is called “The Light of the Nation, it was not as if someone wanted to speak English. That name came from the fact that Anambra was a shining light to other parts of Nigeria. It is my honest belief that this is the right time for Anambra State to move on”, the APC candidate asserted.

Segun Adewale ‘Aeroland’ Dumps PDP For APC

Akinwale Kasali

August 3, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Segun Adewale, a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stalwart in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, has dumped the PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The move which is a significant political realignment in Lagos State, came to fore after series of deliberation and consultation by the former PDP Chieftain.

It was gathered that Aeroland decided to dump the PDP following the defection tsunami that has rocked the Party since many of its founding members dumped it for the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

According to sources in the PDP, Iyana Ipaja Branch, the decision was finalised after high-level consultations with APC leaders in Lagos.

The move is seen as a major boost for the APC, further consolidating its dominance in Lagos politics, particularly in Alimosho, the State’s largest LGA

Academic Activities Suspended Indefinitely In LASU, As Staff Embark On Strike

Akinwale Kasali

August 3, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Lecturers and Non-Academic Staff of the Lagos State University, LASU, have embarked on an indefinite strike, prompting the school management to suspend all academic activities across the institution’s campuses indefinitely.

The Industrial Action by the Lecturers and the Non-Academic Staff stems from the failure of the Lagos State Government to meet their demands over increment of their salaries.

Following this development, the Deputy Registrar/Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, in a statement said that the

2024/2025 Second Semester Examinations, initially scheduled to commence on Monday, 4th August 2025, would be put on hold until the lecturers and other staff agree to resume work.

Flowing from that, the school management has directed students residing in the university hostels across the Ojo, LASUCOM, Epe, and Badagry campuses to vacate the facilities before 6.00 am on Monday.

The decisions were announced on Saturday by LASU Senate after reviewing the report of the declared industrial action by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) presented before them by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.

During the emergency virtual meeting, the Senate agreed that the solution to the staff demands rests solely with the Lagos State Government.

Speaking further, Thomas-Onashile, stated that the school management urged the students to remain calm and law-abiding pending when the crisis ends.

Said the statement: “The Lagos State University Senate at its virtual meeting held on Saturday, 2nd August 2025 considered and reviewed the report of the declared industrial action by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Staff Unions comprising the LASU Chapters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) on Thursday, 31st July 2025.

“Senate of the University, while considering the verbal report, noted the information provided by the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate that: The core demands of the Joint Action Committee are directed at the Lagos State Government;

“The University Management has, over the past few weeks, facilitated dialogue and pursued peaceful resolutions between the unions and the State Government.

“In line with the above, the Lagos State Government convened a meeting comprising University Management, representatives of the Joint Action Committee, representatives of the relevant ministries, and chaired by the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, on Friday, 1st August 2025 at the office of the Head of Service in Alausa, Ikeja.

“At the said meeting, it was agreed that further consultations would be held, with all parties reconvening on Thursday, 7th August 2025.

“The Senate, after due deliberations, resolved that the 2024/2025 Second Semester Examinations, initially scheduled to commence on Monday, 4th August 2025, be put on hold and all other activities in the University be suspended until further notice.

“In addition, all students residing in the university hostels across the Ojo, LASUCOM, Epe, and Badagry campuses are to vacate the hostels latest by 6:00 a.m. on Monday, 4th August 2025.

“Members of the LASU community, particularly students, are enjoined to remain calm and law-abiding during this period”.

Nigeria Lauds Benin Republic’s Contributions To Regional Integration

Ayodele Oni

August 2, 2025

Patrice Talon - Benin Republic President

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria has assured Republic of Benin that it remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations and working together within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to advance the welfare of our people.

In a statement on Saturday on the Independence Anniversary of Benin Republic, Nigeria commended Benin’s contributions to regional integration and its steadfast commitment to democracy and good governance.

The Statement was signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson, of the ministry of foreign affairs.

According to the statement, “the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar extends his warmest congratulations to His Excellency, Olusegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin, on the joyous occasion of the Independence Anniversary of their country.

“As Nigeria’s close neighbour and valued partner, the Republic of Benin holds a special place in our shared history, cultural ties, and mutual aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity in West Africa.

“The longstanding friendship between our two nations, rooted in deep historical and economic connections, continues to grow stronger through collaborative efforts in trade, security, and regional development.

“Nigeria remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Benin and working together within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to advance the welfare of our people.

“We commend Benin’s contributions to regional integration and its steadfast commitment to democracy and good governance.

“Therefore, on this momentous day, the Federal Republic of Nigeria celebrates the resilience and progress of the Government and people of the Republic of Benin and reaffirms Nigeria’s unwavering solidarity with the Republic of Benin, looking forward to deepening our partnership for the benefit of both nations and the entire West African region.”

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