Dangote Cement with almost 70% of its production based in Nigeria is targeting a production capacity of 61Mta in 2026, following the completion of ongoing plant projects in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, and Itori, Ogun State.

The company’s Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Mr. Arvind Pathak was said to have reaffirmed the company’s commitment to making Africa fully self-sufficient in cement production, strengthening the continent’s industrial backbone and reducing reliance on imported construction materials.

He emphasised that the company is accelerating its investments across African markets to close supply gaps and support the continent’s infrastructural ambitions.

According to him: “Our vision is clear — to ensure Africa produces enough cement to meet its own needs…Through continuous expansion, operational excellence, and a strong distribution network, we are positioning Dangote Cement to power growth across the continent. We are not just building a business; we are building Africa’s future.”

Pathak added that “Through our collective determination, we have eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and transformed the country into a net exporter of cement to several neighbouring nations.”

Dangote Cement currently operates in multiple African countries, with integrated plants, grinding facilities, and distribution hubs strategically located to serve diverse markets. The company’s ongoing projects include plant upgrades, capacity expansions, and the introduction of advanced energyefficient technologies designed to reduce operational costs and carbon footprint.

Reinforcing the company’s long-term vision, its founder and President, Aliko Dangote, described self-sufficiency as both an economic imperative and a continental responsibility.

“Africa has no reason to depend on cement imports,” said Aliko Dangote. “We have the raw materials, the talent, and the determination. Our goal at Dangote Cement is to unlock Africa’s potential by ensuring that every nation on this continent can access affordable, highquality cement produced within Africa. This is how we build prosperity, job opportunities, and sustainable development.”

Dangote added that the company’s investments reflect its passion for unlocking continental competitiveness and fostering industrialization across Africa.

With major infrastructural projects rising across African cities — from highways and bridges to housing developments — the demand for cement continues to grow. Dangote Cement’s renewed push toward continental selfsufficiency is expected to address supply challenges, stabilise prices, and enhance construction reliability in the years ahead.

Dangote Cement Plc is Africa’s largest cement producer, with a mission to provide highquality, affordable cement products that support the continent’s infrastructural and economic development. The company operates in several African countries and continues to expand its footprint through innovation, investment, and sustainability initiatives.

The post Dangote Cement Plans 73% Capacity Expansion to 90Mta by 2030 appeared first on Business Today NG.

Izueke was arrested on Saturday, January 31, 2026, during the outward clearance of passengers traveling to China via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940.

A body scan conducted by NDLEA operatives tested positive for ingested illicit substances, after which he was placed under excretion observation and later expelled a total of 95 jumbo-sized pellets of cocaine weighing 1.589 kilograms.

When taken for body scan, he tested positive for ingesting illicit drug and was promptly placed under excretion observation.
While under observation, the suspect who claims he’s into clothing and auto spare parts business in Lagos, expelled a total of 95 pellets of the class A drug in seven excretions.
In his statement, he claimed he decided to engage in illicit drug trafficking to raise enough money to complete the country home he’s building in his village, Iwollo, Enugu state.
While a total of 627.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, were recovered from a makeshift warehouse within Fums Plaza in Kubwa, FCT, attempt by Ebube Okeke, Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze and Friday Michael to smuggle consignments of methamphetamine concealed in Mp3 speakers from Enugu to Abuja and Kaduna was on Friday 6th February foiled by NDLEA operatives in Abuja who intercepted the consignments in a bus. A follow up operation in Zuba, FCT led to the arrest of Ebube Okeke who is the owner of one of the parcels containing 173grams of meth, while the trio of Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze and Friday Michael were nabbed on Saturday 7th February in Kaduna when they showed up to collect the second consignment weighing 28grams of meth.

In a similar development, NDLEA operatives at Dan-anacha patrol point, Gassol local government area of Taraba state on Friday 6th February intercepted a suspect Yusuf Abubakar, 32, conveying packs of Hollandia Yogurt from Lagos heading to Mubi, Adamawa state.

Acting on intelligence, the NDLEA officers searched the yogurt packs, some of which were used to conceal wraps of white powdery substance that tested positive to methamphetamine weighing 1.8 kilograms.

In Oyo state, NDLEA officers on Thursday 5th February arrested a Beninoise Shuaibu Abdulrahman, 29, at Ibudo-Igboho village, Sooro Kishi, where they recovered 149.6kg
Skunk concealed in rice shafts. In a separate operation in Ibadan, a suspect Adeniyi Adeola (a.k.a Prince) was nabbed at Foko, Agbeni market on Wednesday 4th February. Recovered from his truck marked BDJ 767 YC include: 10,820 ampoules of pentazocine injection; and 117,820 capsules of tramadol.
Also in Ibadan, a drug kingpin Jimoh Nurudeen, 40, who owns a facility where he produces Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, was on Saturday 7th February arrested at Badeku area of Ibadan, along with his accomplice Ogundipe Yusuf, 27. Recovered from them include: 8 litres of precursor chemical; 14 grams of skunk and other paraphernalia of Colos production, as well as monetary exhibit of ₦7,408,400.00 and two vehicles: a Mercedes Benz SUV marked ABC 832 AZ and a Toyota Highlander with registration number RBC 243 BS.
In Kwara state, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 7th February intercepted a fuel tanker conveying petrol from Lagos to Maiduguri, Borno state. A search of the truck led to the recovery of 395,400 capsules of tramadol concealed in parts of the petrol laden truck, while the driver was taken into custody.
While a couple: Izuchukwu Azubuike, 37, and Ifunaya Mmadueke, 32, was arrested at Umuaka, Njaba, Imo state with 203kg skunk on Saturday 7th February, operatives in Ondo state on Friday 6th February recovered 420kg skunk in a bush at Ikun Akoko.
No fewer than 31 wraps of cocaine hidden in a hand bag were seized by operatives of the Marine Command of NDLEA from a suspect, Eze Nodebechi Austin upon his arrival from Cote D’Ivoire in a passenger’s boat at Yekeme, Badagry, Lagos state on Friday 6th February.
A suspect Adekunle Oluwatosin Olajide was on Wednesday 4th February arrested at Lagos Island by NDLEA operatives who recovered 3.6 kilograms of Canadian Loud and Colorado from him. In Enugu, a drug dealer Emeka Okeke, 37, was nabbed in his hideout at Akuruka street, Asata, Ezeagu where various quantities of skunk, meth, cocaine and molly as well as N457,700 monetary exhibit were seized from him.
Meanwhile, across all Commands and formations of the Agency nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse, (WADA), sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Agulu Awka Community Secondary School, Awka, Anambra; Okeodo Community High School, Igboora, Oyo; and Wisdom Foundation Secondary School, Ado, Lagos while Niger State command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to the Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Mohammed Auwal Ibrahim, among others.
While commending the officers and men of the MAKIA, Marine, FCT, Taraba, Oyo, Kwara, Imo, Ondo, Lagos, and Lagos Commands for the arrests, and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to maintain the current level of professionalism and commitment in all their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities.

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Sunday 8th February 2026

The post From Businessman to Drug Mule: How a 62-Year-Old Was Arrested at Kano Airport appeared first on Business Today NG.

SERAP also “requests the Bureau to promptly and effectively investigate the conduct of any members of the National Assembly and officers of the executive branch who allegedly altered the Tax Reform Bills which resulted in the reported discrepancies between the harmonised versions of the tax reform bills passed by the National Assembly and the copies signed into law and gazetted by the Federal Government.”

The petition was sent to Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau.

In the petition dated 7 February 2026 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said, “The petition raises issues of conflict of interest, abuse of office, non-disclosure of interests, lack of due process, and erosion of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in the exercise of legislative power.”

According to SERAP, “the petition is submitted pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 9 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers contained in the Fifth Schedule, Part 1 to the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and sections 5 and 13 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.”

SERAP’s petition, read in part: “Where lawmaking is shaped by abuse of office and conflict of interest, it ceases to be a legitimate exercise of constitutional and fiduciary responsibility and becomes a legal and ethical infraction prohibited under the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.”

“The processes leading to the passage of the Electoral Act amendment Bill by the Senate and the signing into law of the Tax Reform bills were allegedly marked by: a) alterations to bill provisions without debate and due process of law; b) alterations of the passed Tax Reform Bill without the approval of the National Assembly.”

“There are also allegations that certain amendments may have been removed or introduced to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and the Tax Reform Laws to serve private or political interests rather than the public interest.”

“Paragraph 1 of the Fifth Schedule to the Nigerian Constitution prohibits public officers from placing themselves in situations where personal interests conflict with official duties. This constitutional provision mandates integrity, ensuring that personal gain does not interfere with the objective performance of public functions.”

“Members of the National Assembly and officers of the executive branch of government are public officers within the meaning of Paragraph 19 of the Fifth Schedule to the Nigerian Constitution and are therefore bound by constitutional provisions on the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.”

“Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution imposes the responsibility on public institutions to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power including in the context of lawmaking.”

“According to paragraph 12 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers contained in the Fifth Schedule, Part 1 to the Nigerian Constitution, ‘any allegation that a public officer has committed a breach of or has not complied with the provisions of this Code shall be made to the Code of Conduct Bureau.’”

“Paragraph 3 (e) of the Third Schedule Part 1 to the Constitution provides that, ‘the Bureau shall have power to receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of the provisions of the Code of Conduct or any law in relation thereto, investigate the complaint and, where appropriate, refer such matters to the Code of Conduct Tribunal.’”

“Section 3(d) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act provides that, ‘the functions of the Bureau shall be to receive complaints about non‐compliance with or breach of this Act and where the Bureau considers it necessary to do so, refer such complaints to the Code of Conduct Tribunal established by section 20 of this Act in accordance with the provisions of sections 20 to 25 of this Act.’”

“Section 16 of the Act also provides that, ‘any complaint that a public officer has committed a breach of or has not complied with the provisions of this Act shall be made to the Bureau.’”

“The Code of Conduct for Public Officers is a constitutional imperative designed to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in public life. This means that any credible allegation of breach must be promptly, thoroughly, transparently and effectively investigated by the Bureau.

“Public officers hold their offices in trust for the people and must not deploy official power for personal or sectional advantage.”

“This principle applies with particular force to officers of the executive branch, and lawmakers whose constitutional mandate is to legislate for the peace, order and good government of the Federation, not to advance personal interests.”

“Public officers are bound by constitutional standards of conduct, and breach of such standards attracts constitutional consequences.”

“Code of conduct obligations imposed by the Nigerian Constitution are enforceable against all public officers, including legislators and officers of the executive branch of government. No public officer is above the constitutional mechanisms established to enforce integrity in public office.”

“We would be grateful if the complaint is considered within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of the complaint. If we have not heard from the Bureau by then, the Incorporated Trustees of SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel the Bureau to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“According to our information, certain members of the Senate allegedly removed the provisions on electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act amendment Bill during plenary after the majority of the senators had voted for the inclusion of the provisions and without any debate on the proposed removal of the said provisions.”

“Similarly, the National Assembly recently alleged that there are unlawful alterations and some material differences between the tax reform bills passed by the legislative body and the tax reform laws gazetted by the Federal Government.”

“A Sokoto lawmaker, Abdussamad Dasuki, raised the issue under a matter of privilege, drawing the attention of the House to the alleged discrepancies between the harmonised versions of the tax reform bills passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and the copies gazetted by the Federal Government.”

“The lawmakers said the alterations contained in the gazetted copies did not receive legislative approval. These alleged unlawful alterations raise questions over the legality and legitimacy of both the law-making processes and the versions of the tax laws circulated by the Federal Ministry of Information.”

SERAP is requesting the Code of Conduct Bureau to register the petition as a formal complaint and to:

Promptly, thoroughly, transparently and effectively investigate the conduct of the lawmakers and officers of the executive branch allegedly involved in the conduct which is the subject-matter of this petition;

Examine whether inducements, benefits, or promises were offered or received in connection with those acts;

Examine whether the alleged cumulative conduct of lawmakers and officers of the executive branch amounted to abuse of legislative power, conflict of interest and due process of law, contrary to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

Refer any substantiated violations of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers to the Code of Conduct Tribunal; and

Take all necessary steps to vindicate the principle that public office is a public trust.

The post SERAP Petitions CCB Over Alleged Alteration of Electoral, Tax Bills appeared first on Business Today NG.

The ceremony, held at Ahmad Makarfi Hall of the College, marked the commencement of the courses, which will run for six months for Senior Course participants and three months for Junior Course participants.

Addressing the newly inaugurated students and members of the Directing Staff, the Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Sulaiman Chiroma, speaking on behalf of Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, described the inauguration as more than the commencement of an academic programme. He said it marks a critical milestone in the Service’s transition from operational efficiency to strategic leadership development.

“The management of the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, has continued to commit significant resources to strengthening the Command and Staff College and its programmes,” DCG Chiroma said. “The impact of these courses will soon reflect in officers’ career progression and institutional performance.”

He explained that participation in Command courses would increasingly be a prerequisite for career advancement within the Service, urging participants to regard their nomination as both a privilege and a responsibility earned through a deliberate, selective process.

The Commander charged the officers to diligently absorb the knowledge to be imparted, apply it in their careers, and uphold integrity, accountability, and professionalism. “Modern Customs administration demands officers who are not only operationally competent but also strategically grounded,” he stressed.

He added, “The College remains a vital platform for equipping middle-level managers with the skills required to function in an increasingly complex security and economic environment, particularly as the Nigeria Customs Service prepares to operate within a new national revenue framework.”

DCG Chiroma further encouraged participants to embrace leadership defined by character, discipline, sound judgment and adherence to the core values of the Service, advising them to conduct themselves as officers and gentlemen both within and outside the College community. He congratulated the officers, expressing confidence that they would emerge as capable leaders and administrators, ready to drive institutional reforms and support national economic objectives.

In his remarks, the Commandant of NCCSC, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Dow Gaura, said the College has remained a centre for capacity building, leadership development, and professional training for middle-level management officers.

ACG Gaura highlighted the College’s role in producing officers who advance the Service’s operational and strategic objectives. He explained that the current Command and Leadership Courses are designed to prepare officers for higher responsibilities by strengthening competencies in leadership, policy analysis, communication, and inter-agency cooperation, skills essential for addressing emerging national and global challenges.

The Commandant urged participants to demonstrate commitment, discipline, punctuality, adaptability, and a strong appetite for knowledge, emphasising that “academic excellence, integrity and professionalism remain non-negotiable standards within the College.”

He assured officers of the availability of instructors and directing staff to guide and mentor them throughout the programme, while encouraging participation in sports and recreational activities to support physical fitness and mental well-being.

ACG Gaura also warned against academic misconduct, including plagiarism and examination malpractice, stating that the College maintains a zero-tolerance policy for such infractions. “I urge you to comply strictly with the rules and regulations of the institution, responsibly utilise resources provided by the Service, and protect the College environment,” he said.

The Commandant formally declared the courses open, congratulated the participants and expressed confidence that the training would be both impactful and enriching, wishing them a successful and rewarding academic experience.

The post Nigeria Customs Boosts Leadership Development with New Command Courses appeared first on Business Today NG.

He said the Lagos International Financial Centre project, conceived about two years ago, was designed to attract international capital, deepen financial markets, and create sustainable economic opportunities for the country.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chairman of LIFC council, spoke during the launching of the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC) Phase 1 Report, at the Lagos House, Marina.

Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC) is a project of Lagos State Government in conjunction with EnterpriseNGR, that captures the strategy and pathway to the implementation of initiatives that would transform Nigeria’s economic growth, deepen the financial market and foster innovation.

Speaking during the launching of the LIFC Phase 1 Report, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing the Lagos International Financial Centre. He described the initiative as a strategic economic reform designed to strengthen Nigeria’s global competitiveness and position Lagos as a leading international financial hub.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended EnterpriseNGR for the initiative and the work done so far. He also appreciated the United Kingdom Government and TheCityUK for providing technical and financial support in the formative phase, stressing that the development of a credible international financial centre requires robust institutional frameworks and strategic investment partnerships.

He said, “The foundation we are laying today is for the future of our economy, our children, and generations to come. This is not just about Lagos; it is about building an economic legacy that will transform Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

“We have designed a model that involves both state and national institutions so that the project becomes institutional rather than personality-driven. It is about building a sustainable structure that will outlive any administration.”

Speaking at the event, the co-chairman of LIFC, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, commended the Lagos State Government for a job well done in fostering the need to work with the ecosystem of actors in the private sector to bring about financial and economic growth.

He underscored the importance of private sector participation, describing the Lagos International Financial Centre as a collaborative economic ecosystem that requires strong partnerships between government and business institutions.

Aig-Imoukhuede described the completion of LIFC Phase 1 as a significant milestone, noting that Phase 2 would focus on policy reforms, legislative frameworks, and resource mobilisation to drive implementation.

“The scale and impact of the Lagos International Financial Centre will go beyond the Nigerian Stock Exchange. It will strengthen capital mobilisation, expand financial institutions and position Nigeria as a global financial destination,” he said.

Also speaking, British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, applauded the Lagos State Government and EnterpriseNGR for driving the initiative and strengthening collaboration with federal institutions, noting that a well-structured financial centre would benefit the national economy.

He disclosed that the United Kingdom, through TheCityUK, is providing expertise to help identify Lagos’ comparative advantages and the regulatory reforms required to establish a globally competitive financial centre.

Baxter described the initiative as a major economic milestone capable of unlocking domestic and international capital flows into infrastructure development, job creation, and economic growth.

“A well-designed international financial centre can unlock significant domestic and international capital flows. These resources will support infrastructure development, boost productive sectors, and create employment opportunities,” He said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, said the journey required a lot of collaboration of investors in making the project a reality and a globally competitive platform.

The post Lagos Unveils LIFC Phase 1 Strategy to Attract Global Capital appeared first on Business Today NG.

A statement released by the President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on Sunday said the “This lack of clarity, according to the Congress undermines public trust and is deeply troubling for our democracy.

According to NLC “The Nigerian people deserve a transparent electoral process where their votes are not only counted but seen to be counted. We urge the Senate to provide an immediate, official, and unambiguous account of its proceedings and final decisions.

It added that the “Public records suggest the proposed amendment to mandate INEC to transmit results electronically in real-time was not adopted, with the existing discretionary provision retained. This has generated nationwide apprehension, and subsequent explanations have only added to the confusion. At a critical juncture following the 2023 elections, such legislative ambiguity risks institutionalising doubt at the heart of our electoral integrity and echoes past controversies that have caused national distress.

 “Therefore, the NLC demands immediate clarity and transparency. The Senate must issue a definitive statement on the exact provisions passed, clarifying the final wording and rationale. The National Assembly leadership must also ensure the harmonisation process produces a final bill with crystal-clear provisions; any ambiguity in the transmission and collation of results is a disservice to our democracy.

 “We call on the Senate to restore legislative credibility by ensuring its processes are transparent and its outcomes clear. The amended Act must provide an unambiguous mandate for INEC to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real-time. The path to the 2027 elections must be built on certainty, not confusion.

  “Nigerian workers and citizens are watching closely. The NLC is working within its networks to advocate for clarity and integrity. We will not stand by while the trusts of Nigerians are betrayed again and the clarity of our electoral laws compromised. Failure to add electronic transmission real-time will lead to mass action before, during and after the election or total boycott of the Election. Our nation must choose the path of clarity and integrity. We need to avoid the same confusion that trailed the new Tax Acts. The time for honest, people-focused legislation is now.”

The post Electoral Act: NLC Demands Clarity From Senate on Electronic Transmission of Results appeared first on Business Today NG.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a bilateral meeting with the Niger Republic Customs Administration, led by its Director-General, Muhammadu Yaqouba, at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.

He noted that the initiative is aimed at easing bottlenecks, facilitating cross-border trade, and strengthening regional cooperation without compromising national security.

He explained that the initiative aims to facilitate the movement of transit cargo, particularly goods from Apapa ports and Nigerian airports, destined for neighbouring countries, while ensuring that national security and economic interests are not compromised.

Adeniyi assured that such cargoes would continue to be processed and moved within 48 hours, adding that strict measures have been put in place to prevent diversion of transit goods, with stiff sanctions awaiting economic operators who violate transit regulations.

According to him, non-compliance by a few operators creates non-tariff barriers and undermines trust, stressing that the Service is determined to streamline documentation and remove avoidable bottlenecks along major corridors such as Illela–Sokoto–Kamba–Niger Republic, as well as routes linking Apapa ports and airports to neighbouring countries.

He congratulated the Director-General of Niger Republic Customs on his appointment, noting that both administrations share a long history of professional collaboration through World Customs Organisation (WCO) platforms and bilateral engagements.

“Cooperation between the two Customs services is shaped not only by shared borders but also by international obligations, particularly Nigeria’s responsibilities under Articles 124 to 132 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantee landlocked countries access to the sea,” he said.

He acknowledged the operational challenges faced by landlocked nations, explaining that dependence on neighbouring ports and infrastructure often increases transaction costs and affects competitiveness.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has, over the years, remained committed to facilitating trade for our landlocked neighbours, including the Republic of Niger. This commitment will be sustained irrespective of political differences, because trade, security and regional stability are interconnected,” he added.

He described the engagement as the beginning of a renewed phase of cooperation, stressing that sustained follow-up actions would help redefine operational modalities, reduce costs, increase trade volumes and make the corridor more attractive to transport operators.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Niger Republic Customs Administration, Muhammadu Yaqouba, described the visit as a working engagement between two professional Customs administrations bound by shared responsibilities.

He thanked the Nigeria Customs Service for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, noting that it reflected the longstanding fraternity between both countries and their Customs institutions.

According to him, the visit was necessitated by two significant challenges: the prolonged blockage of trucks transiting from the Republic of Benin to the Niger Republic and prevailing security concerns across the region.

“We face common security challenges, particularly terrorism and banditry, and engagements like this provide an opportunity to find lasting solutions through cooperation and coordination,” DG Yaqouba said.

He disclosed that the Niger Republic has intensified efforts since 2024 to tackle terrorism, including the launch of Operation Saran Kasa, a coordinated initiative involving all national security agencies, which has recorded notable success.

As part of the operation, he said scanners have been deployed to inspect all goods entering the Niger Republic, stressing that Customs administrations play a critical role in combating terrorism, arms trafficking, and cross-border criminality.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major-General Garba Laka, congratulated DG Yaqouba on his appointment and extended condolences to the Government and people of Niger over the recent terrorist attack near Niamey Airport.

He described the incident as painful, sympathised with the families of the fallen soldiers, and reaffirmed the shared resolve of Nigeria and Niger to prevent a recurrence.

Major-General Laka stressed that Nigeria and Niger share more than borders, describing the two countries as one people with deep historical, cultural and familial ties, particularly in border communities.

“Insecurity in any part of the Sahel affects all of us. Arms trafficking, drug smuggling and the concealment of ammunition in cargo vehicles remain major threats that require coordinated and sustained action,” he said.

He disclosed that the Government of Nigeria places high priority on Niger-related matters, including trade, energy supply and security, noting that requests from Niger, especially on petroleum products and gas, receive prompt attention at the highest level.

The Major-General advocated the revival of bilateral security frameworks, such as cross-border right-of-pursuit arrangements, and called for joint Nigeria–Niger operations and sustained inter-agency collaboration, while expressing confidence that the meeting’s outcomes would translate into concrete actions.

The post Customs Announces 48-Hour Clearance for Transit Cargo to Niger appeared first on Business Today NG.

The officer, Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale, was on duty when a container-laden truck, driven by Onyekachi at excessive speed, collided with a stationary mini truck flagged down for inspection.

Investigations established that the driver failed to exercise due care, causing a collision that fatally injured Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale.

The court found the actions of the driver to be reckless, negligent, and unlawful. It rejected any claim of an accident and convicted him of involuntary manslaughter, sentencing him to life imprisonment under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015,” Mohammed said.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, described the judgement as a strong warning to reckless drivers, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles.

He stressed that the ruling serves as a strong warning to all motorists, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, that reckless driving and negligence will no longer be tolerated on Nigerian roads.

“Whenever a life is lost due to gross negligence, particularly that of an officer performing lawful duties, the law will be enforced without compromise,” Mohammed said.

The post Life Imprisonment for Truck Driver Who Killed FRSC Officer on Duty appeared first on Business Today NG.

Resident Electoral Commissioner Abdu Zango assured that the commission has made adequate arrangements to ensure a free, fair, and credible process, including provisions for voters with special needs.

Aisha Uba Ali reports reports that the bye elections are

scheduled to hold on the 21st of February.  The Kano state house of assembly  bye election  is aimed at filling the vacant seats of two members who passed away late last year.

Resident electoral commissioner,  Abdu Zango says nine political parties have duly submitted their candidates, adding that the published list represents the final list for the elections.

Despite being a bye election, the commission says it  has made adequate arrangements to cater for voters with special needs.

The elections in the two constituencies will be conducted across 1,014 polling units in 24 registration areas, with about 535,000 registered voters expected to participate in the exercise

The post 535,000 Voters to Participate as INEC Publishes Kano Assembly Bye Elections List appeared first on Business Today NG.

The annual Devex Power 50 highlights individuals shaping the future of global development, and Pate’s inclusion reflects his central role in advancing health equity, system reform, and health sovereignty across Africa. As Nigeria works to expand access to quality healthcare, Pate has championed innovative, locally driven solutions aimed at strengthening resilience and reducing external dependence.

A key milestone under his leadership came in September with the announcement of Nigeria’s first local production of anti-malaria bed nets, ending decades of reliance on imports. The initiative is expected to boost domestic manufacturing capacity, enhance supply security, and support long-term public health outcomes.

Beyond Nigeria, Pate has been a strong advocate for reforming global health architecture to promote fairer partnerships and sustainable financing for low- and middle-income countries.

His recognition on the Devex Power 50 list underscores his growing influence within Nigeria, across Africa, and in the global health community, positioning him as a leading voice in the push for equitable, resilient, and locally anchored health systems.

The post Devex Recognizes Nigeria’s Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate Among Top 50 Leaders appeared first on Business Today NG.