News
FG approves N20bn for fire trucks, Apapa, Lekki port projects

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, in Abuja, approved the sum of N20.47bn for contract variation, the procurement of five firefighting trucks and facility upgrades in the Apapa and Lekki deep sea ports.
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Transportation, Mu’Azu Sambo, revealed this to journalists after this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), at the State House, Abuja.
Sirika explained that Council approved the variation and additional costs of contract for procurement of security and safety operations equipment at Maiduguri International Airport.
With an initial cost of N20bn, he said the project required an additional N2.64bn due the drop in the naira value which affected the foreign component of the contract.
“It is that procurement that we sought to vary because of time and then also the exchange rate of central bank has been moved by CBN. And the contracts were foreign components denominated the movement was N306 to the dollar to N416 to the dollar. So that called for the variation of the contract. The initial cost was N20.34m. It was viewed the total addition is about N2.64bn,” the minister explained.
The second memoranda involved the procurement of five firefighting vehicles. This also include ancillary costs for the vehicles and tubs, spares, training of operators, transportation, clearing, etc.
“Total cost is N7.10bn with seven and a half per cent VAT. Delivery time is 12 months and the number of trucks is five units for airport rescue and the company is MSSRS Balkan with Gulf of Africa.
“The third memorandum was approval for award of contract for the supply and installation of four sets of automatic high capacity screening machines at Mallam Aminu kano International Airport and the general aviation terminal in Lagos with a total contract sum is N993.7m. This will have a delivery period of four months and, of course, do include taxes,” said Sirika.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transportation presented two memoranda for various Public-Private Partnership projects.
Sambo said the first of them will address access to potable water in the Lagos port complex in Apapa and the Tincan Island ports.
“In the case of the Lagos port complex Apapa, the refurbishment, operation, maintenance and transportation of water system at the Lagos port complex would be executed by Messrs TECHNIS engineering on a refurbish, operate and transfer model with an estimated benchmark amount of N5.04bn inclusive of a concession period of 16 years with a one-year refurbishment period as moratorium.
“The second one in respect of was of the refurbishment, operation, maintenance and transportation of water system at the Lagos port complex will be implemented by Mr. Sanders energy and Engineering Services Limited on the refurbish operate and transfer PPP model with an estimated project sum of N4.7bn naira inclusive of a concession period of 16 years and one-year refurbishment moratorium period,” he explained.
Another PPP project approved by the Council was the establishment and the renewal of MARPOL port reception facilities for the disposal of ship-generated waste and cargo residues at the Lekki deep seaport, the Dangote refinery and the Dangote Jetties. This also include five pilotage districts of Lagos, Port Harcourt, Onne, Calabar and Warri.
“The new one to be established at the Lekki deep sea ports and Dangote refinery and the Dangote Jetty at the Lekki Free Trade Zone would be implemented by MSSRS African Cycle pollution management limited for a period of 15 years on a revenue sharing ratio of 50/50 between the Nigerian Ports Authority and the company.
“While that of the five pilotage districts, which expired last month has been renewed for another 15 years. This time around on a revenue sharing basis of 50/50 and the concession period is also reduced from 20 years to 15 years,” Sambo revealed.
He further explained that the projects are crucial given the international convention for the prevention of pollution from ships which was established to, among other reasons, prevent the pollution of the marine environment by the discharge of harmful substances or wastes containing such substances into the sea from ships.
News
Lagos HoA Crisis: Let Obasa Stay, Tinubu Tells Lawmakers

President Bola Tinubu has instructed lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly to allow the impeached and reinstated Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, to continue leading the house.
The President made this position known when he met with the lawmakers at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.
As reported earlier, this is the first time President Tinubu is meeting the lawmakers since the crisis began in the house January 13, 2025.
One of the lawmakers told newsmen that ” Obasa is staying. We will obey the president. What we had was a family meeting. The President condenmed Obasa’s actions but blamed us for not carring him (Tinubu) along during the impeachement execrise”.
However, the lawmaker said President Tinubu warned Obasa to carry everyone along.
” He also warned him (Obasa) that if there were any future complaints from any quarters, he would be gone. “The President said he should let peace reign; and so based on that, we have accepted.”
On the pending matter in court, the source said: “The President has instructed him to withdraw it.”
News
LAGOS CHARGES RESIDENTS ON PROACTIVE MEASURES AGAINST HIV SPREAD

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), has issued a strong call to residents to remain vigilant and actively engage in prescribed guidelines against the spread of HIV and AIDS in the state.
Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in tackling the HIV epidemic during a virtual interview. “Individuals must take responsibility for their own health as well as that of the community,” she said.
“HIV remains a major public health concern, and prevention is our most powerful tool. We urge all Lagos residents to adopt safe practices, get tested regularly, and seek medical support where necessary. Ending HIV transmission requires a united front, and together, we can achieve an HIV-free generation.”
Dr. Animashaun encouraged residents to adopt practices that minimize the risk of HIV transmission, including:
– Engaging in safe sex practices
– Avoid the sharing of sharp objects like needles and blades
– Undergoing regular HIV testing for early detection and management
– Seeking immediate medical support when necessary
She emphasized the need to intensify efforts in raising awareness geared towards prevention, treatment, and fulfilling collective responsibility in practising safe sex and ensuring everyone is properly informed on how the virus is transmitted.
“We urge all Lagos residents to adopt safe practices, get tested regularly, and seek medical support where necessary. Ending the transmission of HIV is not solely the responsibility of the government and health institutions but requires a united effort from all citizens to ensure everyone is well-informed.”
The Chief Executive Officer reiterated the agency’s commitment to the Health and Environment Mandate of the THEMES PLUS AGENDA. The agency has been instrumental in coordinating HIV & AIDS control programs, including public awareness and sensitization, and regular free screening and counselling services across the state.
“As an agency, we are dedicated to educating the public and implementing health initiatives that align with our mission. We remain steadfast in our commitment to this cause and will continue to work diligently towards creating a healthier and safer community for all.”
Dr. Animashaun noted that HIV testing and counseling services remain free at all designated healthcare facilities in the state, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare, particularly in the control and management of HIV in the state.
She expressed optimism that through unity and proactive engagement, Lagos can work towards achieving an HIV-free generation. The agency will continue to educate the public and promote health initiatives, especially in the management and control of HIV in the state.
News
Why we suspended Senator Natasha – Nigerian Senate writes IPU

The Nigerian senate has told the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, that it suspended Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natsha Akpoti-Uduaghan for gross misconduct and not because of her sexual allegation on Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This was as the complaint laid by the lawmaker at the United Nations Inter parliamentary conference in New York has continued to attract reactions.
Recall that Senator Natasha had taken her case before the global institution for them to prevail over what she said was an injustice meted on her.
After listening to her complaint, the IPU assured Senator Natasha of taking necessary steps to address the complaints she brought to the union after listening to the other side.
The Nigerian Senate has, however, replied to Senator Natasha’s complaint to the IPU through a letter by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
The letter was read by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, who is attending the event in an official capacity representing Nigeria.
“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth months suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders,” the Senate letter read in part.
Ogbara, however, demanded a comprehensive probe into the allegation by Senator Natasha against Akpabio.
She maintained that procedures and necessary actions under the Senate rules were observed before Senator Natasha’s suspension.
It could be recalled that last week, the Senate suspended the lawmaker in a move that has continued to generate debates across the country.
She had initially submitted a petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. But the lawmakers threw it out before suspending her, even after submitting another petition.
Meanwhile, Senator Natasha vowed to continue the fight against injustice.
However, following the suspension, Akpabio denied the accusations and maintained he has never assaulted women.
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