Category Nigeria News

In a new year’s blow to global drug trafficking networks, Apapa Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) collaborated with the NDLEA to intercept 30 slabs of cocaine onboard the MV Aruna, a vessel under the Marshall Islands’ flag.

The Greenview Terminal in Apapa Port, Lagos, was the location of the seizure on Friday.

Isah Sulaiman, the Apapa Port Command’s public relations officer, stated in a statement that the illicit substance was carefully hidden aboard the ship, underscoring the sophisticated tactics smugglers use to smuggle goods into the country’s busiest seaport.

READ MORE: NDLEA Arrests An Ex-Convict and Three Others Due to UK-Bound Cocaine.

The Customs Area Controller for Apapa Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, commended the officers for their New Year’s vigilance and breakthrough and reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance policy toward illicit trade in accordance with established protocols.

In the interim, NDLEA has obtained the seized cocaine for its investigation and potential prosecution.

Five newly appointed Special Advisers have been sworn in by the governor of Rhodes State, Siminalayi Fubara.

He also reaffirmed the determination of his administration to advance decisively and regain lost ground.

At the Government House swearing-in ceremony, Fubara remarked that his country had the will to carry out its mission.

He explained that the appointments were made to improve governance and ensure his administration’s smooth operation.

He added that the appointees had previously worked for the government and that they had a clear understanding of the philosophy and goals of his administration.

His theory is that their familiarity with the system would speed up performance monitoring and ensure that set goals are met on time.

The new aides were instructed by the governor to approach their responsibilities with a strong sense of duty, stressing that the appointments should not be seen as a pleasure but as a call to dedicated service.

He claimed that they had previously excelled in public office and that they were confident they would apply their experience to their new positions.

Governor Fubara urged them to continue working in accordance with the administration’s social contract with citizens and not let the government and the Rivers State residents let them down.

More than $6 billion has been approved by the state government for governance-related projects, social welfare initiatives, and infrastructure development.

Following the 36th meeting of the Kano State Executive Council on Thursday at the Government House in Kano, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, disclosed the approval.

The approvals, according to Waiya, cover crucial areas like legislative reforms, road construction, drainage, water supply, education, entrepreneurship development, and road construction. They show the administration’s commitment to closing infrastructure gaps while strengthening state institutions.

The Kano State Executive Council has approved projects worth more than N6 billion, focusing on crucial areas, such as infrastructure, education, and good governance, where necessary.

A sizable portion of the funds went toward providing compensation for the communities that were affected by the flood.

A five-kilometer road construction project in the Tudun Wada Local Government Area received the council’s approval for compensation of 859.2 million dollars.

The commissioner explained that “this compensation is intended to ensure fairness, minimize disruption, and allow the road project to proceed smoothly.”

The council also approved the construction of the Yandodo–Mai-Allo Road, a significant route intended to improve connectivity between several communities, for a sum of $2. 6 billion.

In Kiru Local Government Area, a region that is frequently flooded, 896 million were allocated for the reconstruction of a failed culvert, while another 1.2 billion was approved for the construction of a box culvert.

Additionally, prominently exhibited were projects relating to urban water supply and drainage. The council approved 358. 5 million for Kano Municipal’s stormwater drainage projects, as well as 85.6 million for Gwale Local Government Area’s extension of water pipelines.

According to Waiya, “These drainage and water projects are essential to reducing flood risks and improving access for residents to clean, potable water.”

The council approved 285 million for state-wide classroom construction as well as 431.7 million for funding graduation ceremonies and empowerment initiatives at the Kano State Entrepreneurship Institute.

According to Waiya, “our human capital development strategy continues to be centered on investments in education and entrepreneurship.”

Additionally, the council approved 157.7 million for the organization of a public service anti-corruption workshop to improve accountability and transparency.

READ ALSO: 2026: FG to collaborate with Govs on non-oil exports under AfCFTA

The Executive Council authorized the transmission of four bills to the Kano State House of Assembly, aside from financial approvals.

The bill aims to rename the Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Dambatta, along with the Kano State Local Governments Administration Bill 2025, the Kano State Economic Planning and Development Council Bill 2025, and other bills.

Additionally, the council praised the state’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy and Manual, which aims to entice private sector investment in infrastructure and service delivery.

Waiya continued, “The PPP framework confirms the government’s willingness to work with the private sector to promote development.”

The Great Nigeria Insurance Building on Martins Street in Lagos Island is currently being searched for and saved, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

The public is deeply concerned about the fire, which is said to have claimed to have lost several people.

LASEMA acknowledged the distress that this incident may have caused the families and close friends of those affected in a statement released on Thursday.

Read more about Sanwo-Olu inspects a fire scene on Lagos Island and orders the demolition of a GNI building.

The organization reassured the public that trained emergency workers are working tirelessly on the ground and are pursuing efforts to locate and rescue any survivors.

“LASEMA wishes to reassure the public that search and rescue operations are being conducted successfully and acknowledges the concern about the reported missing persons.”

Our emergency response teams are fully engaged in assessing the affected areas to make sure no one is missing, according to the statement. They are equipped with specialized tools and supported by relevant agencies.

Additionally, LASEMA urged people to file their complaints with the LASEMA Complaints Unit, which is located at the site of the incident, if they were unable to reach their loved ones, coworkers, or relatives who were believed to be in or around the affected building at the time of the fire.

The organization stated that any pertinent data that is received will be vetted and documented, making it easier to compile a comprehensive list of missing people for quicker rescue, recovery, and identification.

The organization stated that the organization is closely collaborating with other security, health, and emergency response organizations to ensure a coordinated and effective operation.

Additionally, LASEMA urged the public to cooperate with emergency personnel, stay calm, and avoid the scene to enable effective response.

We take a “life and property protection” stance. As new developments arise, LASEMA will continue to update us as needed, the statement stated.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s (Kebbi State) chapter has urged the Kebbi State Government to take immediate action to protect lives, particularly in Yauri Emirate, in light of rising insecurity, political intimidation, and economic hardship.

Safiyanu Bala, the party’s state chairman, urged Nigerians to stay awake while the party celebrates the new year by urging them to stay away from the ongoing suffering of the country on Thursday.

The reality is that insecurity, hunger, and injustice continue to be a problem for ordinary Nigerians, according to the statement “a new year does not mean we should forget the hardships our people are going through.” Bala stated.

The party accused the government of harassing opposition figures and using intimidation to compel politicians to defect to the ruling party in Nigeria, which it claimed is shrinking the democratic space.

“We are seeing a systematic attempt to silence opposition voices through coercion and intimidation.” Bala stated, “This trend seriously threatens our democracy.”

Recent political developments in the nation, including those involving former FEC Attorney General Abubakar Malami, are clear indications of growing threats to democratic principles, according to the ADC.

The party also criticized the country’s current economic policies, particularly taxation measures, which it claimed are worsening the hardship experienced by regular Nigerians.

According to Bala, “the common man already suffers from hunger, high living costs, and insecurity.”

The government is “imposition of more taxes on the poor” rather than providing relief.

Read more about Atiku’s claim to “economic suffocation, forgery, and democratic erass” against Tinubu’s government.

Bala further criticized and described the security situation in the Yauri Emirate, particularly in the Shanga Local Government Area, as alarming and unacceptable.

He claimed that the Kebbi State Government has killed innocent people four days in a row without receiving a meaningful response.

He said, “What is happening in Yauri, especially Shanga, is heartbreaking and shameful.”

The government is silent, despite the fact that innocent lives are lost.

The party questioned whether Shanga residents’ lives are being treated as less important and accused the state government of being indifferent.

Are Shanga people’s lives worthless more than politics? Bala posed a query.

Security personnel are everywhere for opposition activities, but there is no urgency when civilians are killed, according to the statement.

The Shanga people are clamoring for security, justice, and immediate intervention to put an end to the violence, according to the ADC.

Bala claimed that “they are not requesting positions or politics.”

State governors have urged Nigerians to continue to embrace unity in order to bring more development to the country in 2026 as Nigeria approaches the new year.

Additionally, the governors cited a number of accomplishments that they had made in various industries.

Read more about Tinubu’s pledge to promote inclusive growth and enhanced security in 2026.

Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo State, urged people to work with the state’s governor to keep the “peace” being maintained by remaining vigilant.

“Our foundations are a huge harvest for us in Imo, and 2026 is it.” However, we must work consciously to maintain it as we enjoy the tranquility that is now a part of our landscape.

We must remember that there are still people who are unhappy with our state’s progress, who are also unstoppable growth foes who may attempt to bring us back to darker times.

“We must maintain our watch.” The price of liberty is “eternal vigilance,” according to the proverb. In his New Year’s message, he said, “We must be observant and immediately report any suspicious activity to the security agencies.

The governor urged “those who wish to continue planting hatred and hostility for political gain” to turn a new leaf.

Avoid subverting the very system you rely on. Our agencies are also better than ever equipped to identify and stop those who are plotting evil or violence with our new AI-driven security technology.

The era of politically motivated insecurity is now over. Our collective resolve to reclaim our state is what gives rise to the peace we enjoy, he continued.

sustained patriotism

Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi State, reiterated his government’s commitment to people-oriented governance in the same vein.

Ododo noted in his New Year’s message that the time questioned the people’s resilience and strengthened their collective resolve.

The governor attributed the state’s modest but significant gains to security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth and women’s empowerment, citing discipline, unity of purpose, and citizen collaboration, as well as modest but significant gains in key areas, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and unity of purpose.

According to him, his administration’s renewed optimism comes from the New Year, which in turn bolsters his administration’s resolve to take action to improve the quality of life for its citizens, increase opportunities for youth, empower women, and boost the state’s economy.

Governor Ododo reiterated that his administration’s security is still top of mind, urging residents to work more closely with security organizations and community stakeholders to maintain state peace. He also stressed that meaningful development cannot occur in a secure environment.

Ododo urged others to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” noting that the President’s reforms have boosted the economy and made more resources available for development for sub-national governments.

New Opportunities

Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfuang, described 2026 as a year of renewed hope, divine opportunities, and state-wide transformation.

He prayed for the injured and shared his grief with those who had lost loved ones.

As the state made more efforts to restore lasting peace to our communities, the governor claimed 2025 marked a significant turning point in our collective journey.

The year 2026 offers us new opportunities to consolidate our accomplishments and accelerate our development, dear people.

No government can exist without the people of the Lower Plateau’s cooperation, patience, and commitment, according to the residents.

I urge all residents to work together to create a peaceful, prosperous, and united Plateau State, adding that, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation,

Kaduna State governor Uba Sani promised residents that 2026 will bring about continued progress.

He praised his administration’s significant accomplishments in security, healthcare, economic inclusion, and social welfare, describing 2025 as a year of stability, stability, and steady progress.

Governor Sani added that partnerships with development organizations have resulted in free housing for bandit victims.

The governor made the announcement of Project 255, which guarantees $100 million in public investment for each of Kaduna State’s 255 wards, in 2026.

In his New Year’s Eve broadcast, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa reiterated his commitment to good governance, inclusive growth, infrastructure renewal, enhanced security, and people’s empowerment.

He also urged the Ondo people to keep working together toward a better future, place equalization, harmony, and progress, and overcome challenges in the new year.

Our administration will continue to be guided by the simple conviction that good governance must affect people’s lives, restore their dignity, and create more opportunities for all.

He was quoted as saying, “We shall birth a State that works for all as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State with faith in God and confidence in one another.”

Development of rural and agricultural areas

Umo Eno, his state counterpart in Akwa Ibom, promised to give the promotion of overall development a top priority in 2026.

In the coming year, he has also made a commitment to prioritize rural and agricultural development.

In his statewide New Year’s broadcast, the governor referred to peace as the driving force behind growth and why his administration’s development efforts have continued to be successful.

The governor urged all political figures to reject division and violence, and urged them to embrace ideas, tolerance, and the common good as the political season draws near.

In keeping with the New Year’s resolution, the Niger State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has also distributed relief items to patients in some of Minna’s hospitals as a show of love, care, and support.

The initiative was led by Hadiza Idris-Kuta, the commissioner for women’s affairs and social development, to help identify with vulnerable patients and newborn babies during the New Year’s Eve celebration.

The Commissioner visited various hospitals to distribute goods, show compassion to the families of the first born this year, and welcome the first babies informally as the “New Niger Lites.”

Idris-Kuta stated in a statement to journalists that the gesture was to reassure patients that the Niger State Government is committed to their welfare while they were visiting the hospital.

The Ministry is attempting to exhibit this as we enter the New Year with the spirit of giving and sharing.

This year, we have a lot of programs planned for women and children, starting with the vulnerable — women and children — to demonstrate that the government is always there for them.