News Agency of Nigeria
Report unsafe buildings to prevent collapse, LASG urges residents

Report unsafe buildings to prevent collapse, LASG urges residents

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By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has advised residents to speak up if they notice any buildings that look unsafe and could possibly lead to collapse across the state.

The General Manager, Lagos State Materials Testing Agency (LSMTL), Mrs Olayinka Abdul, gave the advice on Tuesday.

She emphasised the importance of residents staying alert and reporting any signs of structural problems they notice.

Abdul said this could help prevent building disasters, especially those caused by builders not following proper materials testing rules.

She said that building collapses would keep happening if the public kept ignoring proper materials testing, such as the building that recently collapsed on Oremeta Street in Ojodu-Berger.

Abdul said the building collapse happened because the results of a Non-Destructive Test weren’t followed.

According to her, this is exactly what happens when safety regulations are overlooked.

Abdul said: “The results at the time showed the need for further professional input from structural engineers, the building having been in carcass form as an uncompleted structure for 10 years.”

She said that the collapse of the three-story building was exacerbated by non-compliance with Lagos State building codes and actions that contravened established professional standards.

She said that additional construction at the rear of the building was allegedly carried out at night, presumably to evade detection by relevant government authorities, particularly during the Easter public holiday.

“Whilst implementing this evil scheme, the building came down,” Abdul said.

She urged residents to stay alert and speak up if they notice any shady or suspicious construction going on in their area, adding that reporting it quickly could help prevent serious problems down the line.

“Residents should note that these constructions were done at night, and they should have raised alarm about it.

“See something, say something in order to help keep everyone safe. We need to be deliberate in informing authorities of some happenings around us.

“You can inform authorities about faulty buildings, etc. via WhatsApp: 07058890232,” she urged.

Abdul announced that all surrounding structures to the Oremeta collapse site would be served Non-Destructive Test papers commencing Tuesday, April 22.

This, she said, was a mandatory five-year structural integrity assessment for all long-standing buildings.

The general manager said that anyone found guilty of ignoring the building codes set by the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory, would face serious sanctions.

She stressed how crucial proper testing was to make sure buildings and infrastructure are safe, strong, and built to last.

“Without rigorous testing, we risk constructing buildings and infrastructure that are prone to failure, collapse, and ultimately, loss of lives and property.

“For Lagos State as a mega city with a rapidly growing population and urbanisation, the demand for quality infrastructure is higher than ever,” she stressed.

Abdul highlighted that the agency was fully committed to ensure all construction materials used in the state met top standards for quality and safety.

She said their main goal was to protect the lives of Lagos residents while also supporting long-term, sustainable development.

She also noted that materials testing was not just about safety but about sustainability too.

She said: “By using high-quality materials, we can cut down on the need for constant repairs and replacements, which helps save resources and reduces construction waste in the long run.

“All they need to do is to see something, say something, as it places emphasis on the importance of citizens’ vigilance in preventing disasters,” Abdul added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

NDLEA pushes for drug tests on NYSC members

NDLEA pushes for drug tests on NYSC members

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By Philomina Attah
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is advocating for mandatory drug testing for all prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, said the agency is tackling drug abuse by promoting drug testing in universities, communities, and among families.

He spoke during a ‘Training the Trainer’ event, organised by NDLEA in partnership with Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) in Abuja.

The initiative aims to equip church leaders and community influencers with tools to educate youths, prevent drug use, and support families battling addiction.

Represented by Mrs Ngozi Madubuike, NDLEA’s Director of Drug Demand Reduction, Marwa said drug tests at NYSC camps would help deter substance use.

He explained the tests would also enable timely support and intervention for those who test positive for drugs during orientation.

The programme is part of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, aimed at reducing drug demand and building stronger support networks for youths.

The policy has already been adopted by some universities and state governments and is gradually gaining wider acceptance.

NDLEA supplies affordable test kits to schools and assigns trained officers to carry out drug testing procedures.

The agency is pushing for drug test requirements in other sectors, including public service, in spite of some opposition.

“If youths know camps include drug tests, they’ll avoid it. The goal is early help for those who need it,” said Marwa.

He emphasised urgent collective action is needed to address the rising trend of drug abuse in the country.

While NDLEA focuses on arrests, seizures, and prosecutions, it also addresses demand through education and rehabilitation initiatives.

Marwa said the root of drug abuse lies in wider social, economic, and environmental factors beyond the agency’s control.

He stressed the importance of parents, teachers, religious figures, and communities working together for prevention.

Parents were urged to speak openly with children, monitor their peers and online habits, and promote strong moral values.

He explained that only a united national effort can reverse the growing crisis of substance abuse among Nigerian youths.

“NDLEA sees collaboration with NYSC and educational institutions as vital to combatting drug abuse among the youth population,” he said.

Juliet Michael, a childhood education expert and National Cancer Society Secretary, praised the initiative as timely and necessary.

Michael said the programme supports families at a time when moral values are rapidly declining in many homes.

She reflected, “In the past, a look from parents was enough. Today, many parents struggle to connect with their children.”

She blamed peer pressure and poor role modelling for the erosion of discipline and positive values among youths.

Michael urged parents to be examples, welcome their children’s friends, and create environments that nurture good behaviour.

She added that workshops like this help instil positive values in families and counteract harmful trends in society.

She stressed that parents must live the values they expect, as the home remains the bedrock of national change.

Another participant, Iyenoma Osazee, said the training empowers people to detect early drug use and guide affected individuals towards treatment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
Blockmoulders seek cement price hike check, back quality standards

Blockmoulders seek cement price hike check, back quality standards

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By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

The National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON) has called on the Federal Government to take decisive and immediate action to curb the rising cost of cement in the country.

The National President, NABMON, Mr Adesegun Banjoko, said in his Easter message in Lagos.

Banjoko described the situation as an emergency that required urgent attention, similar to the steps recently taken to stabilise the Naira and regulate fuel prices.

According to Banjoko, the increasing demand for cement, particularly due to its growing use in road construction projects by both federal and state governments has pushed prices beyond the reach of many Nigerians.

“We expect the same level of urgency and policy innovation applied to the Naira and petroleum issues to be directed towards the soaring cement prices.

“The time has come for government to encourage more sources of quality cement supply, whether through increased importation or by supporting the growth of local manufacturers.

“This is critical to prevent substandard practices that could lead to building collapses, with devastating consequences for lives and investments,” he said.

He reaffirmed the association’s dedication to upholding quality standards in the industry and pledged continued support for regulatory agencies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

He also said that such agencies could identify professional block moulders with its National Identity Card initiative.

He said that the card featured a QR code system designed to distinguish trained and certified block makers from unqualified individuals, thereby promoting professionalism in the sector.

He also stressed the need for improved peace and security across the country, describing it as a cornerstone for national progress.

Banjoko urged the government to treat the safety of lives and property as a top priority and not something to be sacrificed on the altar of politics.

“Peace and security should never be optional.

“The government must demonstrate leadership and control over security matters to create an environment where development can thrive,” he said.

He said that a stable and secure Nigeria would encourage skilled professionals abroad, especially in the medical and paramedical fields, to return home and contribute meaningfully to the national growth.

“This is the Nigeria we all want to see.

“Let this Easter be a turning point for national renewal and collective progress,” he said.

The NABMON president extended warm wishes for a peaceful and joyful Easter celebration to Christian members of the association and Nigerians at large.

He reflected on the significance of Easter, highlighting the power of the resurrection as a symbol of restoration and hope for better days ahead. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Easter: Osun Govt. provides free train ride for indigenes

Easter: Osun Govt. provides free train ride for indigenes

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By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Osun State Government has provided free train ride to indigenes of the state willing to travel to Osun for Easter celebration.

Mr Augustine Arisa, District Manager, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

According to Arisa, the state government always provides free train service to its indigenes every festive period.

“This is to enable the people of Osun to go home for the festive periods.

“We carry them from Ido, Agege. As the train moves, it carries them. Even people who are going to Ibadan still enter and drop there because they know it’s on the route.

“The NRC provides free train ride to everyone on the route, whether they are going to Osun or not.

“As far as they are along that route, we carry them. We don’t ask if they are indigenes or not,” he said.

He said that the government of Osun had always collaborated with the Nigerian Railway Authority to give the free train ride.

“This ensures that Osun people travel for the festive holidays without much stress,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ehigimetor Igbaugba/Ijeoma Popoola

VP was never denied access to Villa- Nkwocha

VP was never denied access to Villa- Nkwocha

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The spokesperson of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, has debunked reports that armed military units have denied the Vice-President access to the Presidential Villa.

In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, Nkwocha said the publication was a story so far removed from reality.

According to him, such misinformation can only be entertained by those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Nigerian government.

Nkwocha, therefore, urged the public to disregard such malicious publications and advised the media to continue to seek information from credible sources and approach sensational claims with the caution it deserves.

” This we owe ourselves collectively as a nation.”

He said that in recent times, there has been deliberate and well-planned orchestration of falsehood against the vice president’s person and office in many multidimensional forms.

” These mischievous and totally fabricated reports are all in a bid to cause confusion and insinuate total clash in the Presidency.

” These reports seek to mislead the public into believing there’s discord at the highest levels of government.

” The latest in this string of disinformation is a report claiming that the Vice-President has been refused entry to the Villa.

” This is a feeble attempt to traduce the person and office of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima. For the record, NOTHING OF THE SORT EVER HAPPENED.

” The recent publication by some obscure blogs alleging that armed military units have barricaded the Vice President from accessing the Presidential Villa is not only the wildest expression of wishful thinking.

“(It’s) a clear indication that the purveyors of these tales have exhausted both ink and imagination.”

Nkwocha said earlier this week, the Presidency dismissed similar fake news regarding responsibility for the circulation of campaign posters bearing the images of President Bola Tinubu.

” These stories reflect a desperate attempt to undermine the President and his Deputy’s fidelity to the rule of law and our constitution.

” Let it be known that those pushing these falsehoods do so in vain.

”It is understandable, though regrettable, that the mischief-makers continue to underestimate the strength of the bond and goodwill between the President and the Vice President.

” However, their questionable sources or habitual reliance on misinformation have once again led them astray.

” These fairy tales they publish serve no purpose beyond mischief and distraction.”

He said that Shettima remains focused on his duties and on supporting the President in achieving the aspirations of Nigerians.

” He does not have the luxury of time for distractions, particularly those born of the imagination of individuals intent on creating smoke where there is no fire.

” He’s not and will never partake in their media circus. It is a futile pursuit, even by the standards of the morally indifferent.”

Nkwocha commended Nigerians across all divides who continue to express goodwill towards the Tinubu’s administration and who have taken it upon themselves to fight the spread of fake news.

” Your trust and support are deeply appreciated. The covenant between this government and the citizens of Nigeria was made possible through a legitimate and constitutional process.

” No amount of falsehood or manufactured tension can shake the foundation of that democratic mandate. Not under the watch of President Tinubu.” (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Enugu Govt. plans intra-rail system to boost trade

Enugu Govt. plans intra-rail system to boost trade

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By Alex Enebeli

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says his administration is planning for an intra-rail system that will link major lines with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to boost trade in the state.

Mbah disclosed this when the Managing Director, NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa and the Management team of the corporation paid him a working visit at the Government House, Enugu.

He said the idea became necessary as efforts were in top gear by the state and other states in the region to create a common market which required the provision of certain enablers such as seamless rail system to fast-track trades.

The governor expressed delight over the efforts of the management to revitalise the NRC and restore it to its glorious days.

Mbah recalled that the revitalisation of the Eastern Railway Corridor was one of the demands made by South-East leaders and also approved by President Bola Tinubu during his visit to Enugu earlier in the year.

He pledged to support the NRC’s clinic to function optimally and also protect the corporation’s facilities against acts of vandalism and encroachment.

Earlier, Opeifa told Mbah that the Enugu-Port Harcourt Railway Project was already receiving attention as one of the top priority projects of the Federal Government.

He said that the project had been getting a fair share of the national budget, explaining that he was in the state to reaffirm management’s commitment to fostering cooperation with the state government in areas of mutual interest.

Opeifa pledged continuous synergy with the state to revamp the Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu Rail Line on the Eastern Corridor since there were increasing demands for it by the people, who were mostly into business and trading.

“The whole essence of this visit is to deepen our relationship and collaboration with the state government under the administration of Gov. Peter Mbah.

“I also want you to know that the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Enugu City share a common history,” he added.

He further said that Enugu, under Mbah, was doing what the corporation was watching out for in terms of the enabling infrastructure such as the transport terminals that the corporation was poised to take advantage of.

“Enugu State is doing what the Nigerian Railway is looking forward to. The building of road transport terminals by the administration is what we are trying to take advantage of in our railway corridors.

“I came to discuss about it. The discussion has been on. So, I only came to affirm it.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu had already issued a directive to the corporation to fashion out mutual relationship with the state and work out initiatives that would engender a seamless transportation for economic prosperity.

While enjoining the state to take advantage of the Eastern Line when completed, the MD appealed to the governor to strengthen security around their assets, which had come under vandalism by notorious scrap dealers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Tinubu inaugurates 118.8km Ebonyi section of Trans-Saharan Super highway

Tinubu inaugurates 118.8km Ebonyi section of Trans-Saharan Super highway

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By Douglas Okoro

President Bola Tinubu, at Amuro-Mgbom in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi, has inaugurated the 118.85 kilometres of the Ebonyi section of the Trans-Saharan Super Highway.

The President, who was represented by Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, said that the project would usher in massive socio-economic development in the state.

He stressed the commitment of the Federal Government to infrastructure developments of the South-East.

Tinubu said that the era of isolation, marginalisation and infrastructure neglect was giving way to an era of transformation, inclusion and nationwide accessibility.

He said that the critical section of the 118.85 kilometres highway was a project that promised to change the face of infrastructure across the South-East, North-Central and South-South regions of Nigeria.

He said that the project would be a quality road that would last for many years on completion.

“I’m very much confident with the calibre of people that are handling this project as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I’m also very committed to the completion of this project because with the kind of mobilisation I see here today, we may not have any hitches,” the President said.

Nwifuru also addressed the crowd in his capacity, saying that the inauguration of the project was a defining moment in the history of the state.

“Today is not just about the inauguration of a road construction project, it is a day that history will remember as a defining moment in our collective journey toward progress, connectivity and national integration.

“We are gathered here on the soils of Ebonyi to witness the take-off of this initiative which is not merely a civil engineering task.

“This corridor begins here in our dear state from the serene banks of Ndibe Beach in Afikpo North Local Government Area.

“It traverses Ukwuachi-Mbeke Ishieke, Ebonyi Local Government Area and proceeds into Benue State.

The project is part of a larger, ambitious highway system that links the Enugu-Abakaliki/Ogoja Highway through Benue, Kogi, Nassarawa, to the very heart of Nigeria’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“The project’s extension into Cross River State, through Odukpani to Calabar solidifies its importance not just regionally but nationally,” Nwifuru said.

The governor commended the Minister of Works, Dr David Umahi, for his visionary leadership and unyielding patriotism.

“We are immensely proud of you, our dear Sen. Umahi, your visionary leadership, unyielding patriotism and commitment to excellence are what brought us here today.

“For us as a state, this project is especially significant; we are a landlocked state with vast potential in agriculture, solid minerals and trade.

“For years, our progress has been slowed down by poor connectivity with other states but today, we break that barrier with this flagship road construction.

“We are writing a new chapter, one of progress, prosperity and integration.

“This project is a game-changer; for our farmers it means faster access to regional and national markets, for our traders, it means reduced cost of transportation.”

Nwifuru said that the road would further guarantee students in institutions of higher learning more secure and accessible roads to institutions across state borders.

He said that the superstructure would guarantee youths of the state employment and boost the local economy.

“The multiplier effect of this road is immeasurable. It is an artery that will pump vitality into the socio-economic organs of not just Ebonyi, but Benue, Kogi, Nassarawa, Cross River and the FCT.

“I wish to use this medium to extend Ebonyi’s full support to the Federal Ministry of Works, the contractors, consultants and the entire project management team.

“We will not allow this golden opportunity to be undermined; we will secure it, protect it and own it,” Nwifuru added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka

FG sheds light on 1,028km Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway

FG sheds light on 1,028km Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway

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By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

The Federal Government says Nigeria’s side of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project is a 79km stretch starting from Eric Moore in Lagos State and ending at Seme Border.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, made the clarification on the ongoing six-lane Lagos-Badagry Road project in relation to the proposed Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, Kesha said that the Lagos-Badagry Expressway formed part of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway.

“The existing project on Lagos-Badagry Expressway is a project of the Federal Government of Nigeria. For clarity purposes, that road is about 79km, from Eric Moore.”

According to Kesha, the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway is 1,028km.

The federal controller of works said that the 46.2km section of the Nigerian side of the highway project – from Agbara to Seme – had been awarded to a contractor by the Federal Government.

She said that the Okokomaiko to Agbara section was being overseen by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency.

She added that the Eric Moore to Igbo Elerin section, a 10km stretch, was being handled by the Lagos State Government.

Kesha said that the original vision for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway was a homogeneous 10-lane road with provisions for train and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems.

She said: “I wouldn’t know whether that is still subsisting because it looks like they are looking into that again and having to tell each member-country to do its own.

“What we are doing now may still stay. It may just have an extension, because what we are doing now are three lanes with no service lanes.

“They may add to it, service lanes, and they may add provisions for light rail and BRT corridors so that natives of communities that this road transverses can have the opportunity to board and drop by, using the corridors provided for light rail and BRT.”

She added that light rail and BRT corridors could be incorporated to serve communities on the route.

She told NAN that the right of way of the proposed highway was about 120 metres.

She said that the highway project was still in its design phase.

NAN reports that the design phase will be completed in May after which the construction would begin.

NAN recalls that the Federal Ministry of Works in March held a stakeholder engagement with the armed forces, police, paramilitary and border communities on the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project of the ECOWAS Commission, at Seme Border.

The engagement began at Agbara, where royal fathers, youths, community leaders and others engaged the ECOWAS Commission and the Federal Ministry of Works officials. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

C’River governor launches free Easter bus rides

C’River governor launches free Easter bus rides

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By Christian Njoku
Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River on Wednesday launched two weeks of free bus rides for state residents to mark the Easter season.

Representing the governor, Mr Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser for Special Duties, said the initiative would help residents and indigenes travel during the Easter holidays.

The governor explained that the aim is to ease the transportation burden on people, given the current economic challenges in the country.

“I introduced this free bus ride to lessen the economic strain for citizens travelling to their hometowns this Easter season,” Otu said.

He added that a similar initiative in December had a positive impact, showing the government’s concern for residents’ welfare.

“I urge all travellers within Calabar and those heading to central or northern areas to take advantage of this opportunity,” he stated.

Mr Bassey Ekpo, a participating driver, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the initiative would help cushion the effects of economic challenges.

“I commend the governor for this kind gesture. It benefits both drivers and residents,” he said.

Ekpo urged fellow drivers to remain diligent and responsible to ensure citizens truly benefit from the free transport service. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
Nigeria records significant drop in petrol imports – NMDPRA

Nigeria records significant drop in petrol imports – NMDPRA

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says Nigeria has significantly reduced its importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The Chief Executive Officer, NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, said this during the Meet-the-Press briefing series organised by the Presidential Communications Team (PTC) at the State House in Abuja.

Ahmed said the county’s PMS daily importation had dropped from 44.6 million litres in August 2024 to 14.7 million litres as of April 13.

He attributed the 30-million-litre drop in imports to increased contributions from local refineries.

Ahmed also disclosed that local production of petrol surged by 670 per cent during the same period.

He credited the rise to the gradual restart of the Port Harcourt Refining Company in November 2024, along with added output from modular refineries across the country.

“After contributing virtually nothing in August 2024, local plants delivered 26.2 million litres per day in early April, a jump from the 3.4 million litres recorded in September 2024, which was the first month with measurable output.”

He, however, said that in spite of the growth in domestic supply, total national supply exceeded the government’s 50 million litres per day consumption benchmark.

“Only twice within the eight-month period—56 million litres in November 2024 and 52.3 million litres in February, 2025.

He added that the month of March 2025 saw a slight dip to 51.5 million litres per day, while the first half of April recorded an even lower average of 40.9 million litres per day.

Ahmed emphasised that the NMDPRA issues import licenses strictly in line with national supply requirements, underscoring the authority’s commitment to balancing imports with growing local production capacity.

He called for a collective national effort in protecting and maintaining Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.

According to him, all stakeholders – including security agencies, political leaders, traditional rulers, youths, and oil companies must work together to secure national energy assets.

“It takes all of us — government, traditional institutions, companies, and the youth—to collaborate and resist criminal activities that threaten our infrastructure,” he said.

The CEO also stressed that local government authorities and international oil companies (IOCs) such as NNPCL, as well as indigenous companies, must take responsibility in ensuring that oil assets are protected and maintained.

“Until we all commit to safeguarding these national assets, we should stop pointing fingers,” he added.

Ahmed reaffirmed NMDPRA’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the midstream and downstream sectors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

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