Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

October 24, 2016

Adamawa
The Adamawa State command of the National Drugs
Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed the arrest of 20 suspects involved in hard drugs.
The state Commander of the agency, Mr Yakubu Kibo, confirmed the arrest in an interview with newsmen in Yola.
He explained that 61.465 Kg of hard drugs were recovered from the suspects.
Kibo said that the suspects were arrested in a raid at Yola Abattoir and Central Motor parks.
He said that the command has commenced raid operations on suspected drug abuse joints in Yola.

Borno

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) said it recovered more than N196 million on financial crimes during various operations in Borno State between November 2015 till date.
The EFCC Head of Operation in the state, Ibrahim Bappa disclosed this in a statement.
He said the commission also recovered N2.8 million for victims as a result of petitions received and acted upon in the zone.
“As part of efforts to cleanse our country of economic and financial crimes, the commission has made reasonable monetary recoveries to the Federal Government and still has many cases undergoing investigation.
“The commission is hereby putting on notice to all businessmen and women who indulge in economic and financial crimes to desist from such unwholesome acts or face the wrath of the law”, he said.

Jigawa
The Jigawa State command of the Federal Road Safety
Commission (FRSC) said it had inspected 1,630 commercial vehicles for compliance with the installation of the Speed Limiting Device.
The corps’ Sector Commander in the state, Mr Angus Ibezim, said this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse
FRSC began the advisory enforcement of the installation of the device on commercial vehicles on October 1.
Ibezim, however, said the level of compliance among commercial drivers across the state was not encouraging.
He, therefore, said that the corps would collaborate with various transport unions and other relevant stakeholders , including religious leaders and traditional rulers to ensure compliance.
Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai has earmarked
N440 million to service the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in the 2017 budget proposal sent to House of Assembly for approval.
A copy of the budget indicated that the amount will be used for the construction and equipping of three women skills acquisition centres in the three senatorial districts.
According to the proposed budget, renovation and re-equipping of Zaria children’s home will consume N80 million.
According the budget breakdown, the renovation of the Gazara Reformatory School will cost N25 million and N80 million for the construction and equipping of kitchen suite for children at Magajin Gari.

Kogi

The Kogi West Chairman of Wood Loggers Association,
Mr. Kayode Obayan has appealed to Governor Yahaya Bello to lift the ban placed on wood felling in the state.
Obayan, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Lokoja.
The chairman said the ban was affecting the wood business, adding that the business was gradually becoming a thing of the past in the state.
He urged the government to reconsider its position on the ban placed on logging across the state, saying those in the business and Kogi residents had resorted to buying wood from neighbouring states.
Obayan said the ban had crippled wood businesses among his members, and called on the state government to help mitigate their suffering.

Kwara

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has prom
ised that his administration would do everything possible to empower the youth.
A statement issued by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Dr Muyideen Akorode, indicated that Ahmed made the promise in Washington DC, U.S.
Ahmed said he was aware of the pains the youth were going through, especially their inability to secure decent jobs.
He urged the people of the state, especially the youth, not to give up hope in spite of the economic challenges in the country.

Nasarawa
Organised labour in Nasarawa State has rejected the
payment of workers’ salaries in percentages by the state government.
The Auditor of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and spokesperson for the state Public Joint Negotiating Council, Mr Yusuf Sarki-Iya, announced the workers’ decision immediately after a meeting in Lafia.
He said the meeting was aimed at briefing the State Executive Council and Administrative Council members on the recent development in respect of the payment of workers in the state.
Sarki-Iya added that it was to keep them informed about the efforts of the labour leadership was making since last week that workers received their September salaries in percentage.
Niger
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger State
command, says 147 people were killed and 915 injured in 361 road crashes in the state between January and September.
The FRSC Sector Commander, Mrs Susan Ajenge, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Minna on Thursday.
Ajenge said 74 of the accidents were fatal, while 265 were serious and 22 were minor road traffic crashes.
She also said that 23,096 drivers were arrested and made to pay fines for various traffic offences across the state.
The sector commander said the offences included overloading, speeding, using bad tyres, dangerous overtaking as well as underage persons on the wheel.

Ogun
Government activities were grounded in Ogun State
as civil servants commenced indefinite strike over non-remittance of over 12 months deductions from their salaries.
The development followed a directive issued by the Joint National Public Negotiating Council on Monday.
The entire secretariat at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, was deserted by workers with only top civil servants including permanent secretaries and directors seen at their duty posts.
Workers across the council areas in the state also joined in the strike, while public schools and court rooms remained under lock and key.
Ondo
Three bills have passed through second reading to
the relevant committees for screening in Akure, during a plenary session of the State House of Assembly.
The bills are: Amendment to Ondo State 2016 Appropriation; and establishment of Ondo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency.
The third bill was seeking for a law to make provision for the establishment of the Ondo State Urban Water Sector, Ondo State Water Corporation, and Ondo State Regulatory Commission.
The session was presided over by the Speaker, Mrs Jumoke Akindele, who passed the bills to second reading and subsequently relevant committees for thorough screening, after unanimous votes of support by the members.
Oyo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Office, says it has recovered over N57 million from suspected fraudsters in nine months in the zone.
The EFCC zonal officer, Mr Akaninyene Ezima, told newsmen in Ibadan that 80 suspects were arrested within the period, and eight of them were already facing trials.
He said that activities of the commission were not limited to official corruption cases.
The EFCC officer said that the commission was at advanced stage in the investigation of some advance fee fraud cases and other financial crimes.

Plateau
A Jos Magistrates’ Court has sentenced an ex-con
vict, Philip Hassan, to seven months imprisonment for burglary and theft.
The convict, a mechanic residing in Yingi area of Jos, was convicted for stealing jewelry valued at N300,000.
Hassan, who was earlier discharged from prison on Aug. 8, was convicted for criminal conspiracy, trespass, mischief and theft.
The magistrate, Mrs Helen Danboyi, handed down the sentence after the convict pleaded guilty and begged the court for mercy.
In his plea, Hassan attributed his act to the work of the devil and current economic hardship.

Sokoto
The Sokoto State House of Assembly has confirmed
the appointment of Justice Bello Abbas as the Chief Judge of Sokoto state.
The confirmation followed the resolution of members after his screening.
Abbas’ confirmation followed a motion moved by the Assembly leader, Alhaji Garba Bello (APC- Yabo) urging his colleagues to confirm the appointment.
He said the Assembly’s action would be in compliance with the provision of section 271 sub-section (1) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) says it has strengthened collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enhance quality control and enforcement frameworks.

Mr Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, the Head of Communications, REAN, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the collaboration would also involve stakeholder engagement on testing, certification and capacity building in Nigeria.

He said the synergy would strengthen quality control and enforcement frameworks, promote policy alignment, and ensure stronger regulation across the renewable energy value chain.

“REAN reaffirms its commitment to standardisation and quality assurance; tighter collaboration with SON is critical to eliminating fake and substandard renewable energy products from the Nigerian market.

“Enforcement and gaps in existing standards have continued to allow inferior products to circulate, undermining consumer confidence and slowing sector growth.”

Lloyd-Dietake said that at high-level discussions, REAN also highlighted the need for stronger regulatory coordination to address emerging challenges in the renewable energy space.

According to him, the issues include inconsistencies in standards, affordability issues linked to certification processes; and the increasing presence of substandard solar and renewable energy equipment in the country.

“The association further raised concerns about delays in product testing and approval, calling for the establishment of more testing laboratories and certification facilities to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in the system,’’ he said.

Lloyd-Dietake urged closer collaboration among key regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Rural Electrification Agency.

He said such team work would ensure harmonised standards and more effective enforcement against fake renewable energy products in the Nigerian market.

In response, SON acknowledged the important role REAN continued to play in supporting standardisation within Nigeria’s renewable energy industry and reaffirmed its willingness to deepen collaboration with the association.

SON further confirmed that REAN would be actively involved in future standard review processes and upcoming stakeholder engagements related to renewable energy and electric mobility standards development.

Lloyd-Dietake said REAN affirmed its willingness to formalise the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

He said the MoU is aimed at deepening cooperation, promoting quality assurance, and accelerating Nigeria’s transition towards reliable and standardised renewable energy solutions.

Nation

Self Help Africa programme expands water access for 320,000 Nigerians

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) Programme, implemented by Self Help Africa, has expanded access to safe water and sanitation services for more than 320,000 people in Kano and Cross River States.

The organisation disclosed this on Tuesday at the WS4H National Results and Learning Workshop in Abuja, where stakeholders reviewed achievements and lessons from the intervention.

Speaking at the event, Self Help Africa Country Director, Joy Aderele, said the programme demonstrated that sustainable WASH improvements require strong institutions, effective governance, adequate financing and collaboration.

Aderele said the UK-funded programme was designed to strengthen systems that support sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

According to her, the intervention focused on improving governance, planning, financing, accountability and sector coordination to ensure resilient service delivery.

“More than 320,000 people now have improved or restored access to water services through programme-supported interventions,” she said.

She added that more than 5,520 household toilets were constructed in Yala and Makoda Local Government Areas, boosting sanitation, public health and efforts to end open defecation.

Aderele said the programme also strengthened public investment in WASH, with Cross River increasing its sector budget by 211 per cent in 2026 and Kano by 169.07 per cent.

She added that dedicated WASH budget lines had been established across 40 Ministries, Departments and Agencies in both states, strengthening accountability and institutional commitment.

According to her, both states reviewed and adopted updated WASH policies, while key planning documents were developed to guide future investments and service delivery.

She said Cross River also recorded a major legislative milestone through the passage of the Water Law and Open Defecation Prohibition Bill.

Aderele added that lessons from interventions in Yala LGA were already informing expansion efforts in Obubra Local Government Area.

While commending the achievements, she noted that capacity gaps, resource constraints and climate-related pressures remained challenges to sustainable WASH services.

“The sustainability of these gains will depend on continued government leadership, adequate financing, strong partnerships and investment in institutional capacity,” she said.

Also speaking, the Programme Manager of WS4H, Mr Timothy Ibeawuchi, said the intervention focused on strengthening systems needed to sustain gains and attract future investments.

According to him, the programme engages stakeholders in developing strategies that preserve achievements and support long-term service delivery.

“System strengthening work takes time because it addresses the fundamental issues responsible for sustainable and resilient service delivery,” he said.

Ibeawuchi said the programme strengthened policy development, planning, financing, monitoring and evaluation systems across the WASH sector.

He said two pilot local government areas were supported to develop WASH strategic plans outlining sector goals, targets and activities between 2026 and 2030.

According to him, the plans will guide future interventions and improve service delivery in the affected councils.

Earlier, the representative of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Chidera Chukwu, reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s development efforts in spite of the programme nearing completion.

Chukwu commended the Self Help Africa-led consortium for delivering the programme with professionalism and a strong focus on systems strengthening.

He said the consortium contributed greatly to strengthening Nigeria’s WASH sector through policy reforms, improved coordination and enhanced accountability.

“Together, we have advanced key policy and legislative reforms, including open defecation-free laws and strengthened state WASH frameworks,” he said.

According to him, the reforms represent enduring system-level changes that will continue delivering benefits beyond the programme’s lifespan.

In his remarks, Mr Jamilu Habu, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, commended the programme’s achievements.

Habu, who represented the Permanent Secretary, said the intervention strengthened governance, coordination, evidence-based planning and institutional capacity in the WASH sector.

He described the workshop as an opportunity to review achievements, share lessons and identify pathways for sustaining and scaling successful interventions.

According to him, the programme’s innovations and best practices will guide future policies and investments aimed at expanding access to safe WASH services.

Habu stressed the need for continued collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities.

He said stronger partnerships remained essential to achieving universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene services and meeting Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Nation

Lagos Residents Stranded As Floods Cut Off Ajah, Mafoluku Communities

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone communities in Lagos have recounted how Thursday’s torrential rainfall left them stranded, submerged homes and cut off access to major roads.

The residents, who spoke with Tide source, on Friday called for urgent government intervention to tackle the recurring flooding blamed on poor drainage infrastructure.

Along Mobil Road in Ajah, Mrs Rukayat said floodwaters submerged about 200 metres of the road, forcing commuters to wade through waist-deep water.

“The water level was almost up to my lap. People literally had to wade through it to get home,” she said.

According to her, many motorists turned back, while others abandoned their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot.

“The only way to pass through the water was by walking or using a tricycle. Even then, the tricycles broke down and had to be pushed,” she said.

Rukayat said some youths assisted stranded tricycle operators by pushing their vehicles through flooded sections for a fee.

She said residents had repeatedly alerted authorities to the flooding but little had changed.

“We reported this when the rains started, but apparently nothing has been done about the problem,” she said.

She attributed the flooding to poor drainage and possible blockage of a major canal serving the area.

“There is a big canal here, but I don’t know what is preventing water from flowing through it properly,” she said.

According to her, overgrown vegetation and sand deposits might have obstructed the canal, reducing its capacity to discharge stormwater.

She added that although floodwaters usually receded after a few hours, sections of the road remained waterlogged.

In Mafoluku, residents said several streets, homes and access roads were submerged, leaving many unable to return home after going about their daily activities.

Mrs Iriagbonse Okunkpolor, a resident of Agboola Street, said what began as a short trip to buy household items became an hours-long ordeal.

“I left my house to buy a few items nearby, but the rain started suddenly and flooded the entire street.

“I was stranded for hours because there was no safe way back home,” she said.

Another resident, Mr Mukaila Idris, described the flooding as both dangerous and distressing.

“The current was very strong. I watched people pay young men to carry them across the water because they were afraid of being swept away or falling,” he said.

According to him, only physically fit residents could navigate the floodwaters safely, while many others waited several hours for the water level to subside.

Mr Williams Ekpo, who lives in the Eyinogun area, said the flood extended beyond the roads and entered residential compounds.

“The floodwater entered our compound and damaged some household items.

“This happens almost every rainy season, yet nothing seems to be done to address the drainage problem,” he said.

The residents urged the relevant authorities to investigate the persistent flooding and improve drainage infrastructure to prevent a recurrence during the rainy season.