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)
Kogi West Monarchs, Youth Leaders Pledge Support for Security Agencies to Tackle Insecurity
Traditional rulers in Okunland direct withdrawal of chieftaincy dispute from court, urge unity against rising crime
Traditional rulers in Okunland direct withdrawal of chieftaincy dispute from court, urge unity against rising crime
Traditional rulers and youth leaders from the five Local Government Areas of Okunland in Kogi West Senatorial District have pledged to strengthen their partnership with security agencies in a renewed effort to tackle insecurity across their communities. The commitment was made during separate meetings held over the weekend in Kabba, headquarters of Kogi West, as concerns rise about criminal activities in the North-Central state.
At a gathering of the Okun Area Traditional Council chaired by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba (Dr.) Solomon Owoniyi, monarchs reviewed pressing issues affecting peace, security and development within the district. Other royal fathers present included the Elegbe of Egbe, Oba Irukera; the Agbana of Isanlu, Oba Etombi; the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Ibeun; and the Olujumu of Ijumu, Oba Ayeni. The council resolved to work more closely with security agencies and promote community-based initiatives to combat crime.
The monarchs noted that insecurity threatens social cohesion and economic progress in Okunland and called for collective vigilance among residents. They discussed specific challenges within their domains and agreed on a united front to address common problems affecting the area.
On a chieftaincy dispute involving two traditional rulers in Yagba West Local Government Area, the council announced its intervention. The traditional leaders directed that all legal actions relating to the dispute be withdrawn from court immediately. They invited both parties to a reconciliation meeting aimed at reaching an amicable settlement.
Youth leaders present at the meetings also expressed readiness to collaborate with law enforcement agencies by improving information sharing and participating in community policing efforts. Stakeholders emphasised that only through sustained cooperation can lasting peace and security be achieved across Kogi West.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NDLEA Seizes 929.5kg Illicit Drugs, Secures 53 Convictions in Enugu State
Agency intensifies crackdown on drug trafficking, says increased operations have led to more arrests and successful prosecutions
Agency intensifies crackdown on drug trafficking, says increased operations have led to more arrests and successful prosecutions
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Enugu State has seized a total of 929.5 kilogrammes of illicit drugs and secured 53 convictions between January and June this year. The agency’s intensified efforts against drug trafficking and abuse in the South-East state have resulted in a notable increase in both arrests and successful prosecutions.
According to the NDLEA, the seizures were made during various operations across several local government areas in Enugu State, targeting known hotspots for drug activities. The agency said that its officers also dismantled several drug syndicates operating within the state during this period.
NDLEA’s recent clampdown comes amid rising concern over drug-related offences across Nigeria, with stakeholders warning about the impact of substance abuse on youth and community safety. The agency’s latest figures highlight ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing the distribution and consumption of illegal substances, especially cannabis and other narcotics prevalent in the region.
While providing an update on their activities, NDLEA officials stressed that community vigilance and public support are crucial to sustaining gains in the fight against drug trafficking. The agency also called on residents to report suspicious movements or individuals linked to illicit drugs. No statement from opposition political parties or civil society groups was immediately available regarding the latest operations.
The NDLEA has pledged to continue its operations with renewed vigour throughout 2026, urging parents, schools, and community leaders to collaborate with law enforcement to protect young people from the dangers of substance abuse.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Monica.Cash Launches New Digital Asset Conversion Service in Lagos, Targets Faster Naira Access
Fintech firm responds to rising user demand as Nigeria’s digital economy outpaces supporting infrastructure, says CEO Mbah Casmir
Fintech firm responds to rising user demand as Nigeria’s digital economy outpaces supporting infrastructure, says CEO Mbah Casmir
Monica.Cash, a Lagos-based fintech company, has launched a new platform enabling users to convert digital assets into naira more efficiently, addressing longstanding delays in accessing funds after online transactions. The rollout was announced on Thursday by Founder and CEO Mbah Casmir amid growing calls for improvements to Nigeria’s digital financial infrastructure.
The company’s new service comes as more Nigerians participate in the digital economy through online commerce, cross-border payments and cryptocurrency transactions. While adoption of digital payments and assets continues to rise sharply, many users still face difficulties retrieving their earnings or moving funds between systems. Monica.Cash said its solution will help close these gaps by providing faster and more reliable naira payouts following digital transactions.
This development is significant for Nigeria, which remains Africa’s largest digital economy by user base. Many businesses and independent professionals have leveraged online platforms for income generation and access to global markets. However, experts warn that the underlying financial infrastructure has not kept pace with the sector’s rapid growth. Delays in settlement, lack of interoperability between payment systems and friction in converting crypto assets to local currency have been persistent challenges for millions of users across the country.
Speaking at the product launch in Lagos, CEO Mbah Casmir stated that “long-term success within Africa’s digital economy will depend not only on innovation but also on the strength of the systems supporting innovation.” He noted that while consumer-facing products attract attention, sustainable growth relies on robust infrastructure capable of handling increasing transaction volumes. Industry analysts echoed these concerns, highlighting that unreliable settlement processes can undermine trust and limit participation in emerging sectors such as fintech and cryptocurrency.
With Nigeria’s fintech landscape evolving rapidly and cryptocurrency adoption accelerating—especially among younger demographics—stakeholders say greater investment in operational efficiency is now critical. Monica.Cash’s new offering seeks to ensure users can seamlessly move between digital assets and naira without unnecessary delays or uncertainty. The company said it plans further expansion into other Nigerian cities over the coming months as part of efforts to improve nationwide access to digital financial services.
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