₦airaland Forum

SalamRushdie:
This country is just ruining itself to the ground

President Bola Tinubu has approved the re-award of the two bypasses of 2nd Niger Bridge linking to Asaba- Benin and Enugu-Onisha dual-carriageways.

He also approved that Section III of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to be started on the Cross River- Akwaibom axis of the superhighway and for the East-West Road to be given accelerated attention.

Some West African nations that announced their departure from the Economic Community of West African States following recent military takeovers are reportedly taking steps to re-engage with the regional bloc within the six-month window set last December.


The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, revealed this on Wednesday, just as President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja for the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Executive Council, scheduled to be held in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, from February 12 to 16, 2025.

The event will see the President participating in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State. In his capacity as ECOWAS Chairman, he will provide a detailed report on the bloc’s handling of the situation.

In January 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS.

The three nations accused the regional bloc of abandoning its founding ideals and yielding to external influences, criticising the sanctions imposed to reverse their respective military coups.

The withdrawal follows a series of military takeovers in Mali (2020 and 2021), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023), which led to their suspension from ECOWAS and strained relations with the bloc.

In response, the withdrawing states formed the Alliance of Sahel States, a new regional bloc prioritising defence and mutual support. They have also distanced themselves from traditional Western allies, particularly France, and sought closer ties with Russia.

At the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on December 15, 2024, the bloc approved the withdrawal of the three estranged states by January 29, 2025.

However, it declared a six-month transition period, lasting until July 29, 2025, during which it would engage in withdrawal protocols.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, said the community would keep its doors open to any state that chooses to return within that period.

Dare indicated that at least one or two of the withdrawing countries may reconsider and seek to realign with ECOWAS under the terms offered.

“You’ve seen the military coups that occurred. You’ve seen what has come out of them and how he has managed the situation, even to the point of giving the three countries six months to rethink and reconnect with ECOWAS.

“Of course, we know that January 29 has passed. We know that the process of their departure is almost concluded, but we also know the reality — that one or two of these countries are trying to reach back and take advantage of the six-month window.

“I think that at the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, the ECOWAS Chairman will have an opportunity to brief the continental body, and, of course, some of these countries will be there too,” he stated.

During talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the State House on 11 December, Tinubu affirmed that Nigeria would pursue diplomatic solutions to the political impasse in the three countries, ensuring that innocent citizens are not unduly punished for the actions of military regimes.

As of February 2024, the remaining ECOWAS member states are Benin Republic, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Additionally, Dare highlighted a key development in which a Nigerian national will assume a Commissioner role on the AU’s Peace and Security Commission—a move he described as critical for Nigeria.

Amah70:
Shortchanged southeast will get less once anything is shared according to states in Nigeria.
.
Make una do the needful sooner then later; give a sixth state in the southeast, most naturally favoured location between Imo West and Anambra south senatorial district

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a $45.3 million contract for the feasibility study and engineering design of a rail route linking four seaports in Nigeria’s western region Deep Sea Port, Tin Can Seaport, Apapa Seaport, and Lekki Seaport to the hinterlands.

The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, disclosed this on Tuesday during the Global Business Report on Arise News, where a clip of his remarks was aired.

The Guardian obtained the information from the broadcast, noting that the approval was granted during the FEC meeting on Monday, February 3, 2025.

Alkali explained that the proposed rail alignment will run from Badagry Deep Sea Port to Tin Can Seaport, Apapa Seaport, Lekki Seaport, Ijebu-Ode, and Kajola, where it will connect to the Lagos-Kano-Maradi Railway Modernization Project.

The goal, he said, is to integrate the western seaports into the national rail network to boost freight movement and economic growth.

“The Federal Executive Council has granted approval for detailed feasibility studies and the engineering design of a proposed route alignment from Badagry Deep Sea Port to Tin Can Seaport, from Tin Can to Apapa Seaport, from Apapa Seaport to Lekki Seaport, and then to Ijebu-Ode and Kajola. At Kajola, it will connect to the Lagos-Kano-Maradi Railway Modernization Project.

“The goal is to link the western ports to hinterland cities,” Alkali stated. “The contract was awarded at a cost of $45.3 million.”

The minister highlighted that, currently, only Apapa Port is connected to the rail network, with a standard gauge track inside the APMT Terminal used for freight movement between Lagos and Ibadan. A rehabilitated narrow-gauge railway is also operational for cargo transportation from Lagos to Kano.

He further emphasized that linking all four western seaports to the hinterlands would significantly contribute to GDP growth and stimulate economic activity.

During a press briefing following the Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday, Minister of Transportation Sa’idu Alkali provided details about an upcoming project.

He indicated that this initiative will connect the Badagry Deep Seaport to Tincan, link Tincan to Apapa, and establish connections from the Lekki Seaport to Ijebu-Ode, as well as extending to Kajola and the Lagos-Kano-Maradi railway project.Tap Here To Read Full Details

As stated by Alkali, the goal of this initiative is to bolster economic development by connecting western ports with the inland regions, which will subsequently boost GDP and stimulate economic activity.

He said, “You are you all aware transportation is one of the key priority areas of President Tinubu’s administration, and it is an enabler of economic growth.

So the Federal Executive Council has granted approval for a detailed feasibility studies and engineering design of a proposed route alignment from Badagry Deep Seaport to Tincan, Tincan to Apapa, Lekki Seaport to Ijebu-Ode and to Kajola. It is at Kajola it will connect with the Lagos to Kano to Maradi Railway Modernization project.

“The idea is to link the western port to the hinterland. As it is, we have only Apapa Port that is linked with a red line.

We have a standard gauge inter APMT terminal in Apapa, which we are using for freight from Lagos to Ibadan and we have the old narrow gauge that was rehabilitated, we have put it into use for freight from Lagos to Kano.

“So by the time we are able to link all the four seaports at the Western corridor to the hinterland, it will further grow our GDP and enhance our economic activity. The contract was awarded at the cost of $45,303,000.”

Bobloco:
North West APC governors

The North West Governors Forum has expressed its full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies.

The governors made this declaration following their meeting yesterday at the Katsina Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.

The meeting, presided over by the governor of Katsina State, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda, was attended by Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State.

The deputy secretary-general of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, UN Resident Coordinator Mohammed Malik Fall, and UN Consultant on the North West, Maryam Uwais, were also part of the closed-door meeting.

Briefing journalists, the chairman of the North West Governors Forum, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda, stated that they are collaborating with the UN to lift the people of the region out of poverty.

He remarked that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies are effective for the populace, adding that they are partnering with all UN development agencies, including the African Development Bank, on Agriculture 2.0.

“This project is targeted at the North West States, and we are implementing agricultural programmes. Starting with Kaduna and Kano, all the North West States are collaborating on these agricultural initiatives.

“All of us have agreed to work together on agriculture, tackling the issue of out-of-school children, poverty levels, and creating employment for the burgeoning youth population,” Radda said.

According to him, “These are the focal points of the administrations in the various states of the North West. We will cooperate and work harmoniously.

All the North West State Governors support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in many of his initiatives to provide economic prosperity for Nigeria. This is the stance of the North West Governors,” Radda added.

“Today, we also confirmed Hajiya Maryam Musa Mohammed as the Director-General of the North West Development Forum for proper coordination of the forum, and all the governors have appointed focal persons to liaise with all development partners for effective coordination,” he concluded.

gidgiddy:
It's not their job to protect people, nobody is paying them salary for that.

EmperorCaesar:
Cowards, if you ask me
Why cant they strategise on how to take on those guys

Imagine a few hundred guys chasing thousands of people away from their region

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have cracked down on a notorious bandit camp and killed a suspected bandit in Angwan Bala, Kambari village of Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Taraba State.

The incident which occurred on Sunday 2025 followed intelligence gathering by the military.

Acting on credible intelligence on the movement of suspected bandits, troops conducted a fighting patrol to the identified hideout, and on sighting the patrol team, the bandits opened fire, prompting an immediate and overwhelming response from the troops.

In the ensuing firefight, one bandit was killed, while 23 others including 19 males and four females surrendered without further resistance.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations Captain Olubodunde Oni.

Captain Oni said a comprehensive search of the camp led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including, four AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 rifle magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one English-made pistol, two locally made guns, 28 cutlasses, 16 motorcycles, 48 daggers, and jack knives.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the bandits, originally from Plateau State, had paid a local chief in Amar village of Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State the sum of ₦1,500,000 to acquire and establish their camp in the area.

Speaking on the successful operation, the Commander, 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to the security and stability of Taraba State and its environs.

General Uwa encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies, emphasizing the critical role of community cooperation in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality.

“This operation is a testament to our resolve to eliminate criminal elements, restore lasting peace, and ensure that Taraba State does not become a safe haven for terrorists. We will continue to work tirelessly with relevant stakeholders to sustain the fight against insecurity,” General Uwa added.

Armaggedon:
Do you know the meaning of femicide?

Bobloco:
Who are those that matter in the South East that you claimed are with Tinubu?

PresidObi:
What has Tinubu done in Anambra in 2 years?

Nothing.

On the campaign trail for the 2023 presidential elections in Anambra, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu promised to work with Governor Chukwuma Soludo – a governor the President described as an intelligent man and as someone who ‘’knows the way’’.

And today, as Nigeria’s president and head of government, President Tinubu is walking the talk. The President has even gone further to assure the south east that he would address some infrastructural issues that are dear to the hearts of south easterners.

A few days ago, Anambra State completed the rigorous application process with Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) required for the designation of the proposed Anambra Mixed Use Industrial City (AMIC) as a free trade zone.

President Tinubu had earlier promised to give Anambra all the necessary support required to achieve a free trade zone status. With this application and expected designation, AMIC is expected to be Anambra’s manufacturing hub that would service Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

As a free trade zone in Nigeria, AMIC is expected to enjoy the following advantages: tax exemptions, reduced red tape, and simplified customs procedures.

According to NEPZA’s website, there are 42 free trade zones (FTZ) in Nigeria. Also, NEPZA’s website reports that Nigeria has 28 operational free trade zones (FTZ) licenses with Lagos State having 13 FTZ operational licenses in this list. In this list of 28, the south east has only one in Enugu – i.e. the Enugu Industrial Park Free Zone which was designated as an FTZ in 2015.

With Governor Soludo’s ambitious industrial manufacturing hub in the south east (the AMIC project) and President Tinubu’s support, this column believes many operational FTZ licenses will spring up in the south east.

On the development of the Anambra geological basin, which is made up of parts of the states of Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, Imo, Delta, Edo, and Kogi, the President has vowed to develop this basin. This basin – which is estimated to contain around 30 trillion cubic feet of untapped gas and up to 1 billion barrels of oil – holds the key to the industrialization of the south east.

It is not going to be an easy task developing this basin but this column believes that the President is determined to change the narrative in the south east.

Apart from funding challenges, issues related to challenges in interpreting the basin’s complex stratigraphic structure and limited information on its subsurface data have hindered the speedy development of this basin.

On the Eastern Rail line connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri in north-eastern Nigeria, the President has vowed to complete this $3.2 billion project (the rail line stretches from Port Harcourt through the south-east, middle-belt, north-east and terminates in Maiduguri, Borno State).

This project has been hampered by funding challenges since it was flagged-off 4 years ago. This project aims at reconstructing and expanding the existing narrow-gauge railway of this line. Currently, the Port Harcourt to Aba section of the line has been significantly rehabilitated.

This column believes that President Tinubu has the capacity and experience to solve the current issues related to the unavailability of the 85% counterpart fund required to fast track this project. The foundation that President Tinubu left in Lagos has helped in the current railway revolution the country can now see in Lagos State.

On the need to connect the south east corridor with the nation’s high-pressure gas infrastructure that has made the news in recent times, this column believes that President Tinubu will pursue the extension of spur lines from Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) pipeline and Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline to the eastern corridor and the whole of the south east region, as the honorable minister for state for petroleum resources (gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, confirmed in a session with a senate committee.

President Tinubu has succeeded in stabilizing the current macroeconomic condition of Nigeria. Backlogs of forex liabilities have been cleared and the naira is now trading at a stable rate against the dollar. Recently, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NPC) announced a remarkable 20.79 percent increase in the value of the country’s non-oil exports, reaching a total of $5.456bn in 2024.

In fact, without the current central bank’s policy interventions, Nigeria’s inflation would have surged to 42.81 percent by December 2024, according to Nigeria’s central bank governor, Olayemi Cardoso.

Many financial analysts agree with him. The number of foreign investors knocking on Nigeria’s door has increased in the last months as a result of renewed confidence in Nigeria.

There is no doubt that in the coming months the bold initiatives in Nigeria’s macro-economic environment that have been spearheaded by President Tinubu will start impacting the country’s microeconomic environment.

This column believes that President Tinubu is determined to make a difference in Nigeria. Despite the current challenges, the future of Nigeria is bright!