Nigeria News (Standard)
Minister Umahi Suspends Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha Road Works, Queries ₦2.8bn Palliative Certificate
Works ministry orders contractor to halt project in Osun over quality concerns and irregular certification process
Works ministry orders contractor to halt project in Osun over quality concerns and irregular certification process
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has suspended ongoing reconstruction on the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha Expressway in Osun State after questioning a ₦2.8 billion palliative certificate issued for works yet to be executed. Umahi took the decision during an inspection tour of the site on Sunday, directing immediate withdrawal of the certificate and ordering the contractor, CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Limited, to stop work pending further review.
The minister expressed dissatisfaction with both the standard of repairs observed on site and the actions of the Osun State Controller of Works, who had certified palliative work Umahi described as substandard. He pointed to persistent potholes and highlighted that the contract agreement required milling all failed sections of the road and applying a binder, not just patching visible cracks. “We cannot accept shoddy work or improper certification on a major federal highway,” Umahi said during his visit.
The Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha Expressway is a critical link for commuters between Oyo and Osun States in Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone. The project has been under scrutiny following frequent accidents and complaints from motorists about failed portions despite previous interventions. The suspension comes at a time when government faces mounting pressure to improve national road infrastructure amid rising construction costs and inflation.
Umahi also cited issues with the mixture of materials used for repairs, insisting that only quality work meeting contractual specifications would be approved for payment. He directed that no further palliative certificates should be processed until independent verification is completed. Efforts to reach representatives of CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Limited for comment were unsuccessful as at press time.
The federal works ministry said it would conduct a comprehensive review of all certificates issued on the project so far, with Umahi warning that any official found complicit in improper certification would face disciplinary action. Reconstruction activities are expected to resume only after compliance with technical standards is verified.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Haaland Nets Brace as Norway Defeats Senegal 3–2 in FIFA World Cup Clash
Norwegian striker’s double sinks Senegal in dramatic five-goal encounter on Tuesday; African side faces uphill battle in group
Norwegian striker’s double sinks Senegal in dramatic five-goal encounter on Tuesday; African side faces uphill battle in group
Norway secured a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Senegal at the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to lead his side past the African champions in a thrilling group stage match. The encounter took place at an international venue as both teams looked to advance their hopes in the tournament.
The match saw Norway take an early lead through Haaland, who converted a chance midway through the first half. Senegal responded quickly to level the scores before halftime, but Norway regained their advantage after the break with another goal from their star forward. Despite a spirited fightback from Senegal, including a late goal that kept tensions high, Norway managed to hold on for all three points.
The result places Norway in a strong position within their group, while Senegal now faces increased pressure to secure results in their remaining fixtures if they are to progress to the knockout rounds. For many Nigerian football fans, the outcome is significant as it affects potential future opponents for African representatives at the tournament.
Neither team’s coaches made official statements immediately after the final whistle. However, analysts have noted that Haaland’s clinical finishing proved decisive and praised both sides for delivering one of the most entertaining matches of the competition so far.
Senegal will now focus on regrouping ahead of their next group match, where only a win can keep their World Cup ambitions alive. Norway, buoyed by Haaland’s performance, will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NBS, ARCN Sign Deal to Boost Agricultural Research Data System in Abuja
Partnership aims to improve accuracy of Nigeria’s agricultural data for policy planning and sector development
Partnership aims to improve accuracy of Nigeria’s agricultural data for policy planning and sector development
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) have entered into a formal agreement in Abuja to strengthen the country’s agricultural research data system. The signing, which took place on Tuesday, is expected to enhance the quality and reliability of statistics used for policy formulation and sectoral planning across Nigeria.
According to details provided at the event, both agencies agreed to collaborate on data collection, management, and dissemination in order to address gaps that have previously hampered effective decision-making in the agricultural sector. The initiative is designed to ensure that critical information on crop production, livestock, and other key indicators is systematically gathered and made accessible to stakeholders at federal and state levels.
This collaboration comes as the federal government intensifies efforts to reposition agriculture as a major driver of economic growth. With agriculture employing millions of Nigerians—particularly in rural communities—officials say that robust data is crucial for targeting interventions, monitoring progress, and attracting investment into the sector.
The NBS Director-General and his ARCN counterpart noted during the signing that improved data would support evidence-based policies and help Nigeria achieve food security goals. They called on other agencies and private sector players to support this move towards more transparent and reliable information flows in agriculture.
Implementation of the new agreement will commence with joint training sessions for staff of both agencies, followed by a harmonisation of existing datasets. Stakeholders are optimistic that this partnership will lead to better tracking of sector performance and facilitate informed decisions by government, researchers, and investors.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Unveils New Policies to Boost LPG Supply, Address Surging Cooking Gas Prices Nationwide
Measures come as households face record-high costs; oil and gas stakeholders urged to support implementation
Measures come as households face record-high costs; oil and gas stakeholders urged to support implementation
The federal government on Tuesday announced a raft of policy interventions aimed at increasing the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly called cooking gas, in a bid to address the persistent rise in prices affecting millions of Nigerian households. The new measures were unveiled in Abuja as part of efforts to stabilise the domestic LPG market.
Officials disclosed that the interventions would focus on improving logistics for local producers, encouraging investment in infrastructure, and streamlining regulatory processes that have contributed to bottlenecks within the sector. The move comes amid complaints from consumers across Lagos, Rivers, Kano, and other states that the price of cooking gas has more than doubled over the past year, placing additional strain on household budgets.
Rising LPG prices have become a major concern for Nigerians, with data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing average prices climbing to unprecedented levels in recent months. Industry experts point to factors such as foreign exchange volatility, high transportation costs, and inadequate storage facilities as key drivers of the hike. The government said it is working closely with oil marketers and depot owners to ensure increased product availability and check arbitrary price increases at retail outlets.
A senior official from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources stated that “government is committed to making cooking gas affordable for all Nigerians”. The official added that regulatory agencies would intensify monitoring activities at filling plants and depots nationwide to forestall hoarding and profiteering. Stakeholders in the oil and gas industry have been urged to support these reforms by investing in new terminals and expanding existing supply chains.
Government indicated that further consultations would be held with state governments and private sector operators to fine-tune implementation strategies. The aim is to guarantee long-term stability in LPG supply while protecting consumers from future price shocks. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the latest measures.
Haaland Nets Brace as Norway Defeats Senegal 3–2 in FIFA World Cup Clash
NBS, ARCN Sign Deal to Boost Agricultural Research Data System in Abuja
Federal Government Unveils New Policies to Boost LPG Supply, Address Surging Cooking Gas Prices Nationwide
Naira Riri Elu N’ahịa FX Ka Ego Mpụga Nigeria Gafee Ebumnobi CBN
Messi, Mbappé and Haaland Turn Up the Heat on Ronaldo as World Cup Race Intensifies
Algeria Edge Closer to Nigeria’s Record with Win Over Jordan in World Cup Qualifiers
Bandits Kill Nine Farmers in Fresh Attack on Kaduna Community
AFN Warns U.S. Coach Shaver Over Favour Ofili’s Non-Participation at Lagos Trials
Federal Government Projects 353% Surge in Lithium Demand by 2040, Eyes Nasarawa Investments
Ibadan Protesters Block Iwo Road, Demand Immediate Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils and Teachers
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
