The Presidency has defended the Federal Government’s decision to spend ?712.3 billion on the remodeling and complete overhaul of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, describing the cost as modest when compared against global standards.

Temitope Ajayi, senior special assistant on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, made the comparison in a post on his X handle, pointing to the $19 billion renovation currently underway at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York.

“Anyone who has traveled through JFK Airport in New York in the last three years will see the extensive renovation work going on at the United States’ premier international airport,” Ajayi wrote. “JFK is being renovated at the cost of $19 billion.

“At the last Federal Executive Council meeting, the Federal Government approved the remodeling and complete makeover of MMIA at the cost of ?712.3 billion. In dollar terms, it is around $500 million.

“This will be considered a modest cost by all standards and at the level and scale of work that will be executed.”

Ajayi’s statement comes amid public debate over the hefty price tag of the project, which was approved during last week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Tinubu.

The Lagos airport upgrade — part of the administration’s broader “Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda” — is expected to include a full modernisation of the aging terminal, improved passenger experience, and upgraded safety and security infrastructure.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) have condemned the Niger State Government for threatening to shut down Badeggi FM 90.1 and demolish the station’s premises.

The radio station, based in Minna, is privately owned and has been under pressure following reported moves by the administration of Governor Umaru Bago to shut it down.

In a statement signed by the NUJ National President, Alhassan Abdullahi, yesterday, the union described the alleged action as “a blatant act of intimidation and an assault on press freedom.”

“The threats issued against Badeggi FM 90.1 by the Niger State Government are deeply troubling and represent a dangerous overreach of executive power.

“Such actions undermine democracy and send a chilling message to independent media organisations,” he said.

The NUJ reminded the state government that the National Broadcasting Commission remains the only legally empowered authority to regulate, license, or sanction broadcast stations in Nigeria.

“No state government has the constitutional right to interfere with the operations or facilities of any media house.

“It is the responsibility of the NBC to investigate any allegations of wrongdoing by broadcast stations and to take appropriate actions through due process,” the NUJ president said.

According to the union, freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution and is essential to the survival of democratic governance.

“Independent journalism must never be stifled through threats, intimidation, or politically motivated directives.

“We are calling on Governor Bago to withdraw the threat of closure and demolition immediately and allow the proper legal channels to address any issues,” Abdullahi stressed.

The NUJ also urged civil society groups, professional associations, and the general public to resist any form of executive highhandedness that undermines press freedom.

“We will not stand by and watch as journalists and media institutions are harassed for doing their job,” Abdullahi concluded.

In the same vein, the Nigerian Guild of Editors has condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio in Niger State by the State Government, describing the action as a threat to press freedom and democracy.

In a statement issued on Saturday and jointly signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the editors described the governor’s action as censorship and intimidation that undermines the principles of a democratic society.

The editors described the action as reminiscent of the military era, saying, “This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable.”

Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the editors stated that press freedom and freedom of expression are guaranteed under Nigerian and international law.

They noted that Badeggi Radio served as a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, and that its closure posed a threat to democracy.

According to the editors, the power to sanction radio and television stations rests with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission after due investigation, not with a state governor.

“We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly. The Federal Government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out.

“Government officials should know that we are in a democracy and therefore, the act of arbitrary order for the sealing off and closure of a radio station is unacceptable. Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago,” the statement read partly.

While noting Bago’s allegation that the station incited violence, the NGE said such claims must be investigated and proven before any action could be taken.

The editors urged media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals.

They also urged authorities to uphold citizens’ rights to access information and express themselves freely, stressing that Badeggi Radio should be reopened pending the conclusion of investigations.

“The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right,” the statement said.

Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani has dismissed claims that the northern region of Nigeria is being marginalised under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Governor Sani maintained that the region holds key positions and remains central to national decision-making.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Sani countered the widespread perception of neglect of the region, citing “tangible evidence” of northern dominance in strategic federal offices and ongoing development collaborations.

“You cannot be talking about marginalisation when you have the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chief of Army Staff—all from northern Nigeria,” Sani declared.

He added that, “Even the head of the Civil Defense and the Controller of Immigration are from the North. Both the Minister and Minister of State for Agriculture are northerners; Health is led by someone from the North. When you look at these records and positions, what are we talking about marginalisation?”

The governor urged northern stakeholders to move beyond blame and focus on solutions.

“Northern Nigeria’s problems are complex and steeped in history, but blaming others is not productive,” he said.

He stressed that, “The evidence shows northerners are well represented and involved in government at all levels. The key is human capital development and unity among northern leaders, businessmen, and communities. Government alone cannot solve these challenges—it requires collective effort.”

Sani also referenced the landmark gathering of northern leaders at Arewa House, Kaduna, on July 29–30, 2025, calling it a turning point for the region.

“The meeting attracted about 80 government officials from northern Nigeria along with major stakeholders—from academics to civil society leaders, market women, youth groups, traditional and religious leaders.

“For the first time in our nation’s history, such a broad representation came together to discuss holistically the challenges of northern Nigeria,” he said.

He said the outcome of the gathering was unanimous in agreeing that no zone in the North was marginalised, based on data and statistics.

The governor shifted focus to the pressing issue of education, noting that the region must address long-standing deficits.

“The most important area we need to address in northern Nigeria is human capital development,” he said, citing UNICEF data showing 18.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria in 2023, with 70 to 80 percent in the North.

“This is a serious problem that requires focused intervention,” he stressed. “The problem is not new. Even in 2019, when I was in the Senate, the out-of-school children were already about 18 million. So, this is a trajectory we must change.”

He called for collective action from all fronts: “We should not be sitting there complaining, blaming everyone. Instead, we must bring all stakeholders together—business leaders, civil society, government—to chart a pathway forward. Looking at wealth distribution, many of the richest business leaders in Nigeria, including the richest man in Africa, hail from northern Nigeria. We need their involvement in solving these problems.”