Category: General News

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State and Governor Ademola Adeleke on Thursday traded words over the placement of a Tinubu-Adeleke billboard in Iwo town in the State.

 

While the APC berated Governor Ademola Adeleke for what it described as fraudulent use of President Bola Tinubu’s picture in a billboard with the picture of the governor, Mr Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke spokesperson said the APC is battling with integrity crisis even at the Presidency, hence, afraid of the governor’s rising popularity.

 

The APC’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi in a statement disclosed, “the billboard bearing the inscription of Continuity of Progress’ sponsored by a faceless political body scripted as ‘Osun Leaders of Thought’ was sighted early yesterday which probably might have been erected in the early hours of Wednesday.

 

“This is the absurd playing of dirty politics taken too far as there could not be any acceptable reason for the sponsorship of the fraudulent billboard other than a flagrant display of irreverent attitude orchestrated by political Jews with a mission to compare the sky with the ground.

 

We want to tell the whole world that we are vehemently condemning and dissociating our party from the nose and eye sore which exemplified political heresy in the heartland of the core progressive politics in the affected part of the state.

 

“No matter the antics being played by Governor Adeleke and his cohorts in this regard, the crafty efforts of the reactionary elements to dubiously sell their unsellable and difficult political product have refused to fly and subsequently ended up in a total fiasco”.

 

However, the Olawale in a statement said the APC’s frustration exposed its weakness within the Presidency and frustrations about increasing breakthroughs of the Adeleke administration.

 

“The opposition is by now scrambling on what to say to another breakthrough recorded by Mr Governor – the deal on cultural tourism partnership at the British Musuem and the linkage between UK and Osun business through the Nigeria-UK Chamber of Commerce. The public awaits the lies and misinformation from Osun APC

 

“The opposition is confused about groundswell of support for Governor Adeleke across party lines and across local and national audience. The public at home and abroad are impressed by the huge delivery of the administration across sectors. Interestingly, the appraisal of performance is coming from federal and non-governmental bodies.

 

The shock of national and local endorsements create identifty crisis for Osun APC as its lost credibility from the Presidency to key national caucus. The opposition is therefore running amock, ranting over billboards from non-governmental groups, displaying ignorance over investment drive and wandering over reality of its unelectability”, the statement posited

 

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against EFCC by at least 161 Chinese and Nigerians who are being investigated on alleged internet fraud.

Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, dismissed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/80/2025/ for being unmeritorious.

Justice Omotosho held that the arrest of the suspects and their detention from Jan. 9 and beyond, upon two remand orders obtained by the anti-graft agency to enable it conclude its investigation, did not amount to a breach of their rights.

The judge also held that the seizure of their international passports while the investigation was ongoing was not unlawful.

Justice Omotosho agreed with the submission of the EFCC wherein the commission argued that the suspects were admitted to administrative bail after the expiration of the remand orders and that only those who met the bail terms were released.
He observed that the applicants (suspects), in their affidavit before the court, also attested to the facts.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the applicants, through their lawyer, Ishaka Dikko, SAN, had sued the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, and the commission as 1st and 2nd respondents.
In the originating motion filed on Jan. 17, the senior lawyer listed Zhang Xiaowen, Liu Zhiwei, Chen Yeqiu, Lan Shunbin, who are Chinese nationals as 1st to 4th applicants.
Other are Abubakar Hassan, Igwe Ozioma, Gabriel Shimlumun, Abdulmuminu Usman, Olamide Olatoye Jeremiah Abele, Asule James, Bitrus Joseph, Odeh Abel, Jathan Jayock, Jackson Samson, Isiaq Olanrewaju, Adejor Isah, Salihu Suleiman and Joseph Ojoma.
They also include Tanko Isah, Omoyele Ebenezer , Olisakwe Chieme, Ohikwo Fatima Musa, Faith Agada, Opara Cynthia, Blessing Thomas and Rachel Habila, among others.
The counsel, in the four reliefs, sought a court’s declaration that the applicants were entitled to their fundamental right to dignity of human person, right to personal liberty and right to fair hearing.
These rights, he said, are enshrined in Sections 34, 35, 36, 43 and 46 of the 1999 (as amended).
He sought a declaration that the detention and/or the continuous detention of the suspects beyond the constitutional prescribed period for arrest or detention without an order of court from Jan. 9 to Jan. 16, and beyond was illegal, unlawful and contrary to the their fundamental rights.
He also sought a declaration that the confiscation of the applicants’ International Passport numbers: E55480652, EL6128848, E91567245 and E99903655 from Jan. 9 to Jan. 16 without any court order is unlawful and contravened particularly Sections 36, 43 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution.
Dikko, therefore, sought an order directing the respondents jointly and/or severally to pay the applicants damages in the sum of N5 billion for the illegal detention from Jan. 9 to Jan. 16, and beyond.
In the affidavit deposed to by Swarlat Dajong, a litigation secretary in the law firm of M.I. Dikko and Associates, she averred that the 1st to 4th applicants are Chinese nationals who were in Nigeria on a business visas.
She said while carrying out their business at Venus Spark Impact Media Ltd, the EFCC operatives raided the office at Plot No 288,, Mamman Kontagora Crescent at Katampe in Abuja.
Dajong said the four Chinese nationals were arrested and detained alongside the 5th to 160th applicants on Jan. 9 to Jan. 16, and beyond against the constitutional prescribed period for detention of suspects without court order.
According to her, the 5th to 160th applicants are Nigerian citizens and employees of Venus Spark Impact Media Ltd,.
Dikko, also in a motion on notice dated Feb. 12 but filed Feb. 13, sought an order of court admitting 16 of the suspects, including the four Chinese nationals, who had been on detention since their arrest to bail.
In the affidavit in support of the motion equally deposed to by Dajong, she averred that the suspects had spent more than 48 hours in EFCC’s custody.
She said by the remand order of the court on Jan. 10 and Jan. 24 respectively which the EFCC attached to their counter affidavit, Dajong said the order expired on Jan. 31.
The litigation secretary said despite its expiration, the 16 suspects had been further kept in custody of the anti-graft agency since Feb. 1 till date, without any further order of any court or being charged before a court of competent jurisdiction for any criminal offence contrary to the provisions of the constitution.
She clarified that a number of the suspects had been granted administrative bail, remaining the 16 applicant.
The EFCC, in its counter affidavit, disagreed with the applicant.
The commission argued that the applicants disguised to engage in fraudulent activities.
The agency said their act was detrimental to national security and that the office of the National Security Adviser was fully involved in the investigation.
It urged the court to dismiss the suit.
Justice Omotosho held that the court had one question for determination “which is whether the fundamental rights of the applicants have been breached by the respondents.”
The judge, who enumerated what constitutes an enforceable rights in Nigeria, said only rights provided under Chapter 4 of the constitution are enforceable.
“However, these rights are not absolute,” he said.
He said the EFCC submitted that the applicants were arrested upon engaging in internet scam which threatened national security, and that the commission had the mandate to investigate economic crime.
Justice Omotosho held that evidence before the court showed that the agency obtained a remand order from a magistrates court on Jan. 10 to detain the applicants for 14 days and on Jan. 24, it got another remand order to detain them for seven more days.
The judge said any remand from Jan. 10 to Jan. 31st was reasonable in the circumstance.
He agreed with the EFCC that considering their number, the commission could not have completed its investigation within 10 days which was why the need for the second remand order.
He said having been granted administrative bail, he held that the intention of the anti-graft agency was not to keep them beyond normal.
The judge held that the failure of some of the applicants to meet the bail conditions cannot be blamed on the EFCC.
Justice Omotosho, who declared that their detention did not amount to a breach of their fundamental rights, also held that the confiscation of their international passports while they were under investigation was not illegal.
“This case is bound to fail and it has failed,” he said.
The judge consequently dismissed the suit for lack of merit.

 

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of generic medicines in Nigeria by enforcing stringent bioequivalence.

Speaking on Thursday in Lagos, Prof. Adeyeye, said that NAFDAC initiative, aimed at boosting public confidence in generic drugs, sought to prevent the circulation of substandard medications and ensure that generics provide comparable therapeutic effects to their branded counterparts.

Bioequivalence studies are vital scientific assessments that confirm the interchangeability of generic medicines with their innovator counterparts.

 

These studies guarantee that generic drugs deliver similar clinical outcomes, ensuring their effectiveness in managing health conditions

 

She said, “By mandating bioequivalence studies, NAFDAC is strengthening its regulatory framework to safeguard public health.

“This measure not only enhances trust in the pharmaceutical industry but also encourages rational prescribing practices.”

Adeyeye said that to align stakeholders and facilitate compliance, NAFDAC had outlined a strategic roadmap that included issuing comprehensive regulations and guidelines to the pharmaceutical industry.

 

By Flowerbudnews
The National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Comrade Muhammed Shehu, has called for a transformative approach to Nigeria’s infrastructure, emphasizing the need for innovation, sustainability and resilience.

Speaking at the second edition of the Construction Projects Conference organized by the Nigeria Bar Association’s Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), held in Asaba on Thursday, Shehu highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms.

The ASCSN boss, who also spoke on the conference theme: “Making Construction and Infrastructure Projects Work Better,” stressed that reliable infrastructure, particularly in the power sector, is essential for economic growth and national progress.

Shehu advocated the need for a more efficient, innovative, and sustainable approach to the nation’s construction sector.

“This forum is critical as it brings together visionaries, policymakers, and professionals united by a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s construction and infrastructure landscape as it underscores the growing importance of the sector in a country poised for significant economic progress,” he said.

According to him, infrastructure is the very bedrock upon which economic prosperity rest on. The significance of infrastructure extends far beyond roads and bridges; it is the fundamental building block of any thriving society.

Reflecting on the recent challenges facing the nation, particularly the collapse of the national electricity grid, Shehu made a compelling case for a renewed focus on resilient and well-planned infrastructure projects in the power sector.

“Reliable electricity is the backbone of industrialization and economic growth,” while addressing systemic failures in our power sector is crucial to ensuring that infrastructure projects deliver their intended benefits.”

Shehu, however, lauded the strides made by Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State in terms of infrastructural development; adding that the governor had made impressive achievements in the ongoing efforts to modernise the state infrastructure as a model for others to follow.

“Delta’ State’s commitment to economic progress is recently acknowledged by This Day Newspapers, which conferred an award on Governor Elder Sheriff Oborevwori for his exceptional leadership in the realm of construction.

“In Delta State, we have seen firsthand how well-planned infrastructure can drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for citizens,” Shehu remarked, highlighting the significant impact that effective project execution can have at the state level.

Shehu reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting projects that are pivotal to national development, noting that civil servants, particularly those at the directorate cadre, play an integral role in ensuring that the projects are not only completed on time but are also executed with excellence.

“The ASCSN recognises the importance of strong infrastructure in driving national progress. We will continue to support initiatives that further this cause,” he declared.

He also pledged the union’s ongoing involvement in advocating for more efficient public service practices that contribute to the overall success of national infrastructure efforts.

Shehu expressed his deep appreciation to the organizers of the conference for creating a platform that facilitates dialogue among key stakeholders.

Speaking, Dr Bolum Nwachukwu, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria in Delta State, NBA-SBL for hosting an insightful and impactful programme.

Nwachukwu also praised the Governor of Delta State for his consistent commitment to development of the state and supportive policies that prioritize the needs of workers in the state.

As the conference unfolded, it became clear that the discussions held here would not only shape the future of Delta State’s infrastructure but would have ripple effects throughout Nigeria.

 

By Dianabasi Effiong

The President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has pledged substantial investment support for Cross River State’s health and agriculture sectors.

He made the pledge during a state banquet organised in his honor in Calabar.

Adesina outlined plans to support primary healthcare delivery in addition to the investments they are already promoting in the state with the unveiling of the Special Agro Processing Zone project.

He also commended the leadership qualities Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River.

According to him, the governor is indeed a passionate, action-driven, and accountable leader, doing so much in infrastructure.

He noted that with what Governor Otu had done in partnership with Afrixem Bank for the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, Cross River State would soon be a very important logistics and industrial processing hub beyond Nigeria, covering the entire West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

On healthcare, he pledged to support the Governor’s efforts in the revitalisation of primary health centres and the state health insurance initiative.

He said, “We will help ensure that primary healthcare centers are not only revitalised but connected digitally to enable seamless access and portability of health records.”

He also called for the adoption of a sustainable franchise-based business model for healthcare delivery, designed to improve nationwide access and quality.

Adesina expressed his excitement over the launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) in Cross River, describing the project as a game-changer for the state’s economy.

In his remarks, Otu reaffirmed his administration’s focus on driving economic independence and reducing overdependence on federal allocations. He outlined three strategic pillars: security, food security, and energy security, as central to unlocking sustainable development in the state.

According to Otu several dormant state-owned assets are being recovered and revitalised, significantly improving investor confidence and making Cross River one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations.

He also emphasised efforts to integrate Cross River into regional economic corridors with Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea while expanding agricultural productivity through large-scale cocoa, cassava, and other crops.

Reflecting on his recent annual vacation, he joked that he felt “younger and more energised,” ready to intensify efforts toward the state’s transformation.

Otu thanked his deputy governor and cabinet members for their stewardship in his absence and described the state’s progress as divinely inspired.

Former Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke, in his welcome address, said the banquet was a convergence of visionary leadership.

He also described Governor Otu as a “turbocharged” developer and lauded his commitment to infrastructure and economic growth.

Duke, who described Adesina as “Africa’s number one technocrat”, also hailed his landmark initiatives like the electronic wallet for farmers and his legacy of driving agricultural transformation across the continent.

He praised both leaders for their alignment in vision and their dedication to inclusive development.

“Dr Adesina is not just a leader—he is a divine pathfinder, illuminating Africa’s future,” Duke said.

 

By Perpetua Onuegbu

Abuja:  (NAN) The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria has condemned the allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement leveled against the Principal and CEO of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Dr Samuel Onoji.

The coalition comprises over 100 groups from the six geo-political zones of the country.

In a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the National Coordinator, Network for Good Governance, Ediseni Yiki, described the accusations as a “campaign of calumny”.

According to him, the allegation is orchestrated to tarnish Dr Onoji’s reputation and undermine his administration’s achievements.

He explained that findings by the coalition showed individuals behind these allegations were former officials with questionable records who are attempting to deflect attention from their own corrupt past.

“These detractors aim to manipulate public perception and pressure President Bola Tinubu into removing Dr Onoji despite his remarkable accomplishments at PTI.

However, Yiki said the coalition expressed confidence that the Federal Government, led by President Tinubu, the Minister of Petroleum, and the broader international community, were well aware of the significant strides made by Onoji since assuming office.

Outlining the key milestones that demonstrate the success and positive impact of Onoji’s leadership, he said PTI had continued to uphold its reputation for excellence in engineering and science education, maintaining high academic standards.

He added that Onoji had reinforced PTI’s commitment to providing world-class technical training, as highlighted during the matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session.

“As an experienced academic and administrator, Onoji has positioned PTI as Africa’s leading oil and gas technological institute, with a focus on quality training, research, and consultancy for the petroleum industry.

“The coalition urged President Tinubu, the Minister of Petroleum, and other key stakeholders to disregard the “frivolous allegations” against Onoji, reaffirming their trust in his leadership,” he said.

He further called on media organisations and anti-corruption agencies to avoid being used as tools to malign his reputation.

Reiterating their unwavering support, the coalition officially passed a vote of confidence in Onoji, encouraging him to remain focused on his mission at PTI and not be distracted by “naysayers and selfish individuals.” (NAN)

 

Flowerbudnews

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, says the ministry is moving toward integrating road, rail and inland waterways connectivity to the ports.

Oyetola said this during the third Maritime Transportation Industry Breakfast organised by the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) on Wednesday in Lagos. The theme of the event is, “Prospects for Accelerated Growth and other Matters Arising”.

Oyetola, represented by Director, Maritime Services of the ministry, Dr Mercy Ilorin, said that the integration would enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of marine transport.

(L-R, Senior Advocate of Nigeria also a maritime lawyer, Mr. Mike Igbokwe, representative of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Mercy Ilori, Director Maritime Service, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Abuja and the President, Nigerian Maritime Lawyer Association, Mrs Funke Agbor , during the third Maritime Transportation with the Theme: Prospects for Accelerated Growth and other Matters Arising” held in Lagos on Wednesday)

According to him, another initiative undertaken by the ministry to accelerate the growth of the sector is the development of the Port Community System, an electronic platform to centralise and automate processes for stakeholders in the sector.

He said that the electronic platform would reduce processing time, ensure seamless coordination among stakeholders and enhance ease of doing business at our nation’s ports.

Oyetola said that the ministry was also implementing the Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) certification exercise to align with global conservation efforts and regulations.

He said that this would allow fishers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

He also said that the initiative would open doors to new markets that prioritise eco-friendly products and ensure better prices and demand for their catch.

“The ministry has made moves toward strengthening the regulatory frameworks, enhancing the capacity of local fishers and encouraging private sector participation in modern aquaculture techniques to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.

”It is engaging relevant stakeholders to finalise the arrangement for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to partners to improve the capacity of indigenous shipping firms.

“It also involves Constitution of a National Fleet Implementation Committee to establish a private-sector led Nigerian maritime fleet to participate in the carriage of the country’s import and export cargoes; among others,” he said.

He added that the maritime sector had been the mainstay of global trade and economic development for centuries as it accounts for over 80 per cent of global trade volume with vast oceanic potentials estimated to be worth over $1.5 trillion annually.

Oyetola explained that the ministry and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) had begun a port modernisation programme with Apapa and Tincan Island ports as pilot projects to ensure the reconstruction of existing and dilapidated port infrastructure for improved vessel and cargo turnaround time.

He acknowledged that the sector still faced challenges, including infrastructure deficits, security concerns and environmental issues.

”Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach to position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa,” he said.

He attested to the fact that the Nigerian maritime sector offers vast opportunities and called for collective responsibility to harness its potential.

Speaking, the President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, Mrs Funke Agbor, said the association remained committed to supporting the legal, institutional and policy frameworks that underpin a thriving maritime industry.

Agbor said that the association would continue supporting the industry through advocacy, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement.

“We will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of our maritime and blue economy sector,” she said.

She said that maritime transportation sat at the heart of global trade and economic integration with an expansive coastline, strategic geographic location in Nigeria and growing interest in the blue economy.

Agbor added that there was untapped potential for growth, adding that realising the potential requires deliberate policy frameworks, effective regulatory oversight, private sector participation and continuous stakeholder engagement.

“The breakfast series was conceived by the Association as a platform to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders within the maritime and blue economy sectors.

”In the spirit of partnership and progress, we gather today to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions and chart pragmatic pathways toward enhancing Nigeria’s maritime transport potential, an essential pillar of our national development.

“We appreciate the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for sending a competent director to enlighten stakeholders on the progress of the present administration in the industry at the 3rd Nigerian Maritime Industry Breakfast, hosted by the Nigerian Maritime Law Association,” Agbor said.

She called for the encouragement of multi-sectoral conversation through the association to make Nigeria a preferred destination for cargoes within the African continent.

 

Flowerbudnews

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, says the National Maritime Policy before the Federal Executive Council will create a sustainable economic growth path for the sector.

Oyetola stated this during a panel discussion at the third Maritime Transportation Breakfast Meeting in Lagos on Wednesday.

(L-R, The Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Mr Daniel Odibe; representative of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Mercy Ilori; Director, Maritime Service, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Abuja and President, Nigerian Maritime Lawyer Association, Mrs Funke Agbor; Senior Advocate of Nigeria and also a maritime lawyer, Mr Mike Igbokwe; the panelist discussion moderator, Ms Kashimana Tsumba and Director Operations of LASWA Mr Famuyiwa Ibrahim, during the third Maritime Transportation with the theme: “Prospects for Accelerated Growth and other Matters Arising,” held in Lagos on Wednesday.)

The theme of the Breakfast Meeting is, “Prospects for Accelerated Growth and Other Matters Arising”.

Oyetola, represented by Dr Mercy Ilori, the Director of Maritime Services of the ministry, highlighted that the policy would accelerate growth in fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism, and seabed mining.

The event was organised by the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA).

 

He further noted that the national marine and blue economy policy remained vital for developing Nigeria’s maritime sector and ensuring environmental sustainability.

 

Mr Daniel Odibe, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Lekki Deep Sea Port, commended the Federal and the Lagos State Governments for developing coastal roads to improve port accessibility.

 

He emphasised that the road network is crucial for port efficiency and holds significant growth potential.

“We have infrastructure to scan 100 per cent of cargo, but we currently scan between 40 per cent and 50 per cent of goods. We scan cargoes within 30 seconds of positioning.

 

“Lekki Deep Sea Port is the hub for local transshipment. In 2024, we began transhipping cargoes to Warri and are considering routes to Calabar and Onitsha to reduce road congestion,” Odibe explained.

 

With a 19-meter water draft, 16 meters of which are operational, Odibe said the port could accommodate larger vessels.

 

He also confirmed that the Lekki Deep Sea Port’s capacity had increased to 90 hectares and millions of TEUs, with a faster vessel turnaround time.

 

Mr Chidi Ilogu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), urged the management of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and LASWA to enhance infrastructure for industrial waterway cargo shipments.

 

Ilogu, former President of NMLA, suggested establishing barges for all coastal states to ease congestion at Lagos ports and reduce business costs.

 

Mr Mike Igbokwe, also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), praised the Federal Government’s use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in driving maritime infrastructure and efficiency.

 

Igbokwe recommended expanding the use of barges to improve multimodal cargo connectivity and reduce costs across the country.

 

He also advocated for PPPs to reduce the cost of goods and improve rail transport to landlocked states for better dry port operations.

 

Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the Managing Director of LASWA, urged improvements in “Search and Rescue operations across Lagos’ 12 jetties.”

 

Emmanuel, represented by the Director, Operations, LASWA, Mr Famuyiwa Ibrahim, said that a data monitoring centre had been established, which had been significantly reducing water accidents on Lagos waterways.

 

He attributed some accidents to passenger negligence and urged boat operators to enforce safety measures.

 

Emmanuel explained that LASWA removes water hyacinth every six months to keep the waterways navigable.

 

He also stated that community women in riverine areas use dried hyacinth to create domestic gift items, with LAWMA occasionally helping in removal.

 

Emmanuel added that of the 20 local governments recognised by the Federal Government, 15 were accessible by water transport.

 

Mrs Funke Agbor, president of NMLA, reaffirmed the commitment of the association to supporting legal, institutional, and policy frameworks for a thriving maritime industry.

 

Agbor highlighted the support of NMLA through advocacy, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement for the sector’s sustainable development.

 

According to her, maritime transportation is central to global trade and economic integration, with Nigeria’s strategic location and coastline offering untapped growth potential.

 

To realise this potential, Agbor called for effective policy frameworks, regulatory oversight, private sector involvement, and continued stakeholder engagement.

 

The NMLA president explained that the breakfast series aimed to facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the maritime and blue economy sectors.

 

By Perpetua Onuegbu

Abuja (NAN)/FLOWERBUDNEWS:  The leadership of the Labour Party  led by Mr Julius Abure said it has been vindicated by the content of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgement between Nenadi Usman and the Labour Party.

National Publicity Secretary, Labour Party, Mr Obiora Ifoh made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Ifoh  “we warned that Sen. Nenadi Usman and her committee have been misleading Nigerians with wrong interpretation of the judgement of the apex court.

“There is no where it stated that the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure led executive has elapsed or that Nenadi Usman and her National Caretaker Committee has been directed to take over the leadership of the Labour Party.

“The Supreme Court emphatically stated that issues within the political party are internal affairs of the party and that party supremacy must be observed.

“It is pertinent for us to state clearly that there is no vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party.

“The highest organ of the party, the national convention has in March 2024 elected its leaders in line with the constitution of the party and electoral act and their tenure is subsisting.

“Consequent upon that, any meeting convened in disregard to the constitution of the party is illegal and the outcome null and void.”

He therefore warned those involved in the  meeting  to refrain from  factionalising the party and respect the constitution of the party.

He said “as we will not fail to activate the provision of the party on disciplinary actions.”(NAN)