Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Building Collapse Kills Eight, Emergency Agency Confirms
LASEMA officials recover bodies from rubble as rescue operations continue in densely populated Lagos neighbourhood
LASEMA officials recover bodies from rubble as rescue operations continue in densely populated Lagos neighbourhood
Eight persons have been confirmed dead after a building collapsed in Lagos on Thursday, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). The incident occurred in a densely populated area of the city, with emergency responders deployed to the scene shortly after the structure gave way.
Rescue teams from LASEMA and other agencies arrived at the location to pull survivors and casualties from the debris. As at press time, eight bodies had been recovered from beneath the rubble. Efforts were ongoing to search for more victims who might still be trapped, while injured persons were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Building collapses remain a major concern in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, due to rapid urbanisation and recurring issues of substandard construction materials and regulatory lapses. This latest incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of building codes and better oversight by relevant authorities.
LASEMA said its operatives responded swiftly following distress calls from residents. The agency urged Lagosians to remain calm and cooperate with rescue personnel as operations continued. No statement had been issued by state government officials as at Thursday evening regarding possible causes or responsibility for the collapse.
Emergency workers are expected to continue combing the site until all trapped individuals are accounted for. Stakeholders in Lagos’ construction sector have repeatedly called for regular inspections and stricter penalties for violators of building regulations to prevent future tragedies.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sanusi Urges ECOWAS to Reconcile With Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso Amid Regional Tensions
Former Emir of Kano calls for renewed dialogue as West African bloc faces strain from member states’ withdrawals
Former Emir of Kano calls for renewed dialogue as West African bloc faces strain from member states’ withdrawals
Former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to seek reconciliation with Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina Faso following recent tensions in the region. Sanusi made this appeal on Thursday, urging leaders to prioritise dialogue and regional unity amid the ongoing diplomatic rifts.
The former Central Bank Governor emphasised the need for ECOWAS to engage constructively with the three Sahel countries after their decision to withdraw from the bloc earlier this year. Sanusi stated that mending relations was critical for regional stability, particularly given the security and economic challenges confronting West Africa.
Relations between Nigeria and its neighbours have been under strain since military-led governments in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso announced their exit from ECOWAS. The three countries cited concerns over sanctions imposed by the bloc and accused ECOWAS of interfering in their domestic affairs. This development has raised concerns among stakeholders about the future of regional cooperation, especially regarding trade and joint security initiatives.
Sanusi urged ECOWAS leadership to adopt a diplomatic approach by opening channels of communication with Niamey, Bamako and Ouagadougou. He stressed that rebuilding trust was essential to achieving shared development goals. “Dialogue remains the best option for resolving disputes within our region,” Sanusi said during his remarks.
The withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS has prompted fears over increased insecurity along Nigeria’s northern borders and disruptions in cross-border commerce. Analysts say that a fractured bloc could undermine collective efforts against terrorism and hamper economic integration plans. Observers are watching closely to see how ECOWAS will respond in the coming weeks as mediation efforts continue.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Conflict and Corrosive Capital Reshape Ethiopia’s Foreign Investment Climate
Ongoing violence and questionable funding sources threaten investor confidence as Ethiopia seeks economic recovery
Ongoing violence and questionable funding sources threaten investor confidence as Ethiopia seeks economic recovery
Ethiopia’s foreign investment landscape is facing renewed challenges as persistent conflict and the influx of so-called ‘corrosive capital’ unsettle economic prospects across the Horn of Africa nation. Recent developments have raised concerns among both international investors and local stakeholders, with many warning that the current climate could undermine Ethiopia’s post-pandemic recovery ambitions.
The turmoil, which has affected key regions, is causing disruptions to major projects and prompting several investors to reconsider their commitments. Industry observers note that the increased presence of capital from opaque sources—often described as corrosive due to a lack of transparency and potential political strings attached—has further complicated Ethiopia’s efforts to attract sustainable investments.
Ethiopia, once celebrated as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, now faces mounting headwinds. The ongoing instability has led to project delays and heightened operational risks for companies in sectors ranging from manufacturing to infrastructure. Economic analysts say this shift is particularly significant given the country’s recent push to diversify its economy away from agriculture and create jobs for its large youth population.
Government officials have acknowledged these concerns, stating their commitment to restoring investor confidence. However, critics argue that without concrete security improvements and stricter oversight on foreign funding sources, Ethiopia may struggle to regain its appeal. Experts also caution that reliance on unregulated capital could expose the country to new vulnerabilities.
Looking ahead, stakeholders are calling for coordinated action by authorities and partners to address both the security challenges and the need for transparent investment frameworks. The outcome of these efforts will be crucial not only for Ethiopia’s economic stability but also for broader regional development.
Dr. Brook Taye
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Police Rule Out Terrorism, Bomb Attack in Thursday Explosion
Authorities say initial investigations show no evidence of terror plot as residents raise safety concerns in affected area
Authorities say initial investigations show no evidence of terror plot as residents raise safety concerns in affected area
The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed claims of terrorism or bomb attack following an explosion that occurred in Lagos on Thursday, 25 June. The clarification comes amid anxiety among residents after the incident, which sparked speculation about its cause and raised fears of a possible security breach in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
According to police sources, preliminary investigations revealed that there was no indication of a terrorist act or the use of explosive devices in the incident. The police did not disclose further details about the exact nature or cause of the explosion but assured members of the public that officers were already on ground to secure the area and prevent further incidents.
The incident has renewed concerns over public safety in Lagos, especially as previous explosions in other parts of Nigeria have sometimes been linked to insurgent groups. However, police emphasised that early findings did not support any link to terrorism or deliberate bombing. Residents who witnessed the event said they heard a loud bang, with some reporting minor damage to property in the vicinity.
In an official statement made available on Thursday, police authorities urged Lagosians to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information about the explosion. They also called on anyone with useful information regarding the incident to come forward and assist ongoing investigations. No casualties have been confirmed as at press time, and emergency services remain at the site for assessment.
Security agencies are expected to release more information as their investigation progresses. Meanwhile, local leaders have appealed for calm and vigilance among residents while urging government to increase surveillance in urban areas prone to such incidents.
Sanusi Urges ECOWAS to Reconcile With Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso Amid Regional Tensions
Conflict and Corrosive Capital Reshape Ethiopia’s Foreign Investment Climate
Lagos Police Rule Out Terrorism, Bomb Attack in Thursday Explosion
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