Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun State Begins Major Oil Exploration at Eba Island After Securing Federal Approvals
Environmental and technical surveys completed as Ogun targets oil-producing status in South-West; NUPRC, federal ministry endorse project
Environmental and technical surveys completed as Ogun targets oil-producing status in South-West; NUPRC, federal ministry endorse project
Oil exploration activities have reached a key milestone at Eba Island in Ogun Waterside Local Council, Ogun State, following recent approvals from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources. This development positions Ogun State closer to achieving full oil-producing status in the South-West region.
The progress comes after Ogun was granted Frontier Exploration Status by the federal government, enabling it to officially commence resource mapping and drilling operations. As at June 2026, critical preliminary stages such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Bathymetric Survey, Topographical Survey, and Geotechnical Survey have all been completed. These steps were carried out in line with regulatory requirements and have received statutory endorsement from both the NUPRC and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
According to state officials familiar with the project, civil works have now commenced on site at Eba Island. Additionally, well intervention and re-entry equipment have been mobilised for use, marking a transition into more advanced phases of exploration. The state government said this momentum is part of a broader strategy to unlock new revenue streams and create jobs for local communities in Ogun Waterside LGA.
The Ogun State government described the initiative as a significant economic opportunity for both the state and Nigeria at large. Officials noted that the exploration programme is expected to boost regional development and could lead to improved infrastructure and increased investment in surrounding areas. NUPRC representatives confirmed that all procedures so far adhere to national guidelines for frontier exploration.
With mobilisation underway, stakeholders anticipate further announcements on drilling results and potential commercial production in coming months. The state government has called for cooperation among host communities while warning against any disputes over boundary claims relating to Eba Island’s ownership. The next phase will focus on detailed well studies and possible field development if commercial quantities of crude oil are confirmed.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition of Shanties on Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Issues Eviction Deadline
Lagos State government says removal will tackle illegal structures and improve road safety; residents given ultimatum to vacate
Lagos State government says removal will tackle illegal structures and improve road safety; residents given ultimatum to vacate
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the immediate demolition of shanties and makeshift structures along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, issuing an ultimatum for occupants to vacate the area. The order, delivered on Saturday in Lagos, targets encroachments that officials say threaten public safety and hinder infrastructure development.
According to state authorities, the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to restore orderliness and ensure the free flow of traffic on one of Lagos’ major highways. The affected stretch covers several kilometres where informal settlements have sprung up over recent months, raising concerns over environmental sanitation and security.
The Lagos-Badagry Expressway serves as a critical link between Nigeria’s commercial capital and neighbouring West African countries. In recent years, government has embarked on phased reconstruction of the corridor but persistent illegal occupation has slowed progress and complicated maintenance efforts. Officials argue that removing the shanties is necessary to safeguard investments in road infrastructure and protect commuters.
Sanwo-Olu’s administration said the decision followed repeated warnings to illegal occupants to relocate voluntarily. “We cannot allow lawlessness or structures that put lives at risk along this vital route,” a senior official in the Ministry of Environment said while reiterating government’s commitment to urban renewal. The official warned that defaulters who fail to comply within the specified deadline would face forcible eviction.
There was no immediate response from resident groups or opposition parties as at press time. However, some affected families have expressed fears over possible loss of shelter and livelihoods. The state government maintained that it would provide support for eligible persons through existing social intervention programmes after the clearance exercise.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FHA Blames Developer for Port Harcourt Building Collapse After Extra Floor Added to Approved Plan
Federal Housing Authority officials say developer ignored three-floor limit as Rivers government launches investigation into collapse
Federal Housing Authority officials say developer ignored three-floor limit as Rivers government launches investigation into collapse
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has attributed the recent collapse of a four-storey building under construction along Odili Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to the developer’s violation of the approved building plan. FHA officials visited the site on Thursday, led by Executive Director of Project Implementation, Oluremi Omowaiye, alongside the Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Edward Hart.
According to Omowaiye, the developer was initially granted approval to construct a three-storey structure but went ahead to add an extra floor without authorisation. He stated that this disregard for regulations likely contributed to the incident. A team of engineers from FHA headquarters in Abuja joined local authorities at the scene immediately after the collapse was reported to support rescue operations.
“The approval issued on February 20, 2024 was strictly for three suspended floors based on submittals by the developer,” Omowaiye said at the site inspection. “Adding another floor against what was approved is unacceptable and endangers lives.” The executive director commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his swift intervention and support in managing the aftermath.
FHA clarified that the building approval was granted before its current management took office. The agency stressed that it would not tolerate any further contravention of building regulations and called on all developers in Nigeria to adhere strictly to approved plans to avoid disasters.
Governor Fubara has since ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the collapse and directed that the site remain sealed pending outcome of inquiries. Stakeholders have urged greater enforcement of planning laws as authorities continue search-and-rescue efforts at the location.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Edo Government Sets Up Special Court for Cultism, Kidnapping Cases Amid Security Concerns
Move aims to speed up prosecution of suspects as state grapples with rise in cult-related violence and abductions
Move aims to speed up prosecution of suspects as state grapples with rise in cult-related violence and abductions
The Edo State Government has established a special court dedicated to handling cases of cultism and kidnapping, as part of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity in the state. The initiative, announced on Saturday, comes in response to growing concerns over the increasing rate of violent crimes in various communities across Edo.
The decision to set up the court was reached after a series of security meetings involving key stakeholders in Benin City. According to officials, the special court will prioritise the prosecution of suspects arrested for cult activities and kidnapping, with a view to ensuring speedy dispensation of justice and deterring further crimes.
Edo State has witnessed a surge in cult-related clashes and abductions over recent months, leading to anxiety among residents and calls for more decisive government intervention. Community leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly urged authorities to take stronger action against those responsible for these offences.
While announcing the measure, government representatives emphasised that the new court will work closely with security agencies and the state’s Ministry of Justice. “We are committed to restoring peace and order,” an official said. However, some legal practitioners have raised questions about the capacity of the existing judicial system to handle an influx of cases, stressing the need for adequate resources and fair trials.
With this development, Edo joins other states that have introduced specialised courts to address specific security challenges. The government has called on residents to support law enforcement efforts by providing credible information on criminal activities. Further details on the operational framework of the new court are expected in coming weeks.
Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition of Shanties on Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Issues Eviction Deadline
FHA Blames Developer for Port Harcourt Building Collapse After Extra Floor Added to Approved Plan
Edo Government Sets Up Special Court for Cultism, Kidnapping Cases Amid Security Concerns
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