Nigeria News (Standard)
Cross River Government Bans Illegal Sale of Forest Reserve Lands, Warns Communities and Individuals
Forestry Commission says all transactions within forest reserves are void as state tightens enforcement to protect biodiversity
Forestry Commission says all transactions within forest reserves are void as state tightens enforcement to protect biodiversity
The Cross River State Government has declared all unauthorised sale, allocation, lease or transfer of lands within the state’s forest reserves as illegal and void, warning that ownership and control of these lands remain exclusively with the state. The announcement was made in Calabar on Tuesday by Rt. Hon. George O’Ben-Etchi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, amid growing concern over rising cases of illegal land transactions in protected areas.
O’Ben-Etchi stated that several communities, individuals and groups have recently engaged in unlawful dealings involving portions of the forest reserves spread across Cross River State (South-South), a practice which he described as dangerous to ongoing conservation efforts. He emphasised that under current laws, only government is empowered to manage and allocate forest reserve lands, making any private transfer or sale unlawful.
This move comes at a time when Nigeria’s forest resources face increasing pressure from illegal logging, encroachment and unregulated development. Cross River is home to some of the country’s largest remaining tropical forests, which play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and climate regulation. The government’s stance is intended to safeguard these assets for future generations and support sustainable management goals.
“The government strongly condemns this unlawful practice, as it threatens the integrity of protected forest areas and undermines ongoing efforts to conserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainable management of the state’s forest resources,” O’Ben-Etchi said during a press briefing. He directed all communities, traditional institutions, individuals and groups engaged in such activities to desist immediately or risk facing legal consequences under existing forestry laws.
As at press time, no formal opposition response had been issued regarding the ban. The Forestry Commission is expected to increase monitoring across affected areas and collaborate with security agencies to enforce compliance. Stakeholders have been advised to seek clarification from relevant authorities before engaging in any transaction involving lands situated within designated forest reserves.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Firefighters, Seadogs Launch Safety Campaign in Amuwo-Odofin, Urge Residents on Prevention
Federal Fire Service partners National Association of Seadogs to educate Mile 2 Estate community on household fire hazards
Federal Fire Service partners National Association of Seadogs to educate Mile 2 Estate community on household fire hazards
Fire safety experts and the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) have called on Lagos residents to prioritise fire prevention, warning that negligence and ignorance remain major causes of outbreaks. The message was delivered at a fire safety sensitisation event held on Monday at Mile 2 Estate in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, where officials from the Federal Fire Service (FFS) Lagos Command joined NAS to address the community.
During the campaign, organisers explained that while some fires are accidental, a significant number result from careless handling of flammable materials and lack of adherence to basic safety guidelines. Mr. Oghene Michael, Operations Officer of Festac Fire Station, led a lecture highlighting the dangers of common household items such as cooking gas, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), curtains, clothing and furniture. “Many materials we use every day can catch fire easily if not handled properly,” Michael said at the event. He stressed that gases in particular can be especially dangerous due to their ability to spread quickly and ignite with minimal spark.
The programme included demonstrations on fire extinguisher use and advice on safe storage of combustible items. Residents were urged to avoid storing PMS or gas cylinders inside living spaces and to ensure electrical wiring met safety standards. Organisers also cautioned against leaving cooking unattended or overloading electrical sockets — practices they identified as frequent contributors to domestic fire incidents in Lagos.
According to NAS representatives, the collaboration with FFS is part of a broader commitment to community safety across Lagos State. They noted a rise in reported household fires during recent dry seasons, which have caused property loss and displacement for affected families. “We want people to see prevention as their responsibility, not just something for government agencies,” one official said.
The FFS Lagos Command advised residents to report fire emergencies promptly using official hotlines and encouraged regular participation in safety trainings. As at June 2026, authorities say heightened awareness and early intervention remain key strategies for reducing casualties and property damage from fires in densely populated urban areas like Amuwo-Odofin.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Opposition Lawmakers Accuse Tinubu of Focusing on 2027 Election Over Nigeria’s Current Challenges
PDP and LP representatives claim urgent national issues are sidelined as president meets stakeholders in Warri, Delta State
PDP and LP representatives claim urgent national issues are sidelined as president meets stakeholders in Warri, Delta State
Opposition lawmakers have accused President Bola Tinubu of placing more attention on his 2027 re-election ambitions rather than addressing pressing national problems. This criticism surfaced on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held with Ijaw and Urhobo leaders in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State.
The lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) said the president’s recent engagements, including high-profile consultations in the South-South zone, appear aimed at consolidating his political base ahead of the next general elections. According to them, these moves come at a time when Nigerians are demanding concrete action on economic hardship, insecurity, and failing infrastructure.
The opposition’s concerns follow President Tinubu’s meeting with traditional rulers and community representatives in Warri, which was intended to address local grievances and foster support for ongoing federal projects. However, PDP and LP members argue that such events are being prioritised over urgent interventions required to tackle inflation, unemployment, and security threats across various regions.
No official response has been issued by the presidency regarding these allegations. Meanwhile, government allies maintain that the president remains committed to delivering on his campaign promises and stabilising Nigeria’s economy. They insist that stakeholder engagement is necessary for inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Observers say the mounting criticism signals intensifying political rivalry as preparations for 2027 gather pace. Many expect both sides to ramp up public campaigns in coming months while Nigerians watch closely for policy actions that address their daily struggles.
Nigeria News (Standard)
JustMarkets Set to Launch SpaceX Stocks CFDs Trading for Nigerian Clients
Online brokerage expands offering, targets local investors with access to SpaceX contract-for-difference products
Online brokerage expands offering, targets local investors with access to SpaceX contract-for-difference products
JustMarkets, a global online trading platform, has announced plans to introduce SpaceX stocks contract-for-difference (CFD) trading to its Nigerian client base. The development, revealed on Wednesday, will allow Nigerian investors to speculate on the price movements of SpaceX shares without owning the underlying asset.
According to JustMarkets, the new product will soon be available on its trading platform, enabling clients in Lagos and across Nigeria to gain exposure to one of the world’s most talked-about private companies. The company said the initiative is part of efforts to broaden investment options for Nigerians amid growing interest in tech-related assets.
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has garnered global attention for its commercial space exploration activities and innovative satellite technologies. Although SpaceX remains a privately held company and is not listed on any major stock exchange, CFDs offer traders an opportunity to benefit from price fluctuations based on secondary market valuations and news events related to the firm.
JustMarkets stated that it will provide detailed information about margin requirements, trading hours and risk disclosures ahead of the launch date. The firm urged potential investors to familiarise themselves with the risks associated with leveraged products like CFDs before participating.
Industry analysts say the move reflects increasing demand among Nigerian retail traders for diversified portfolio options beyond traditional equities and forex. As at June 2026, online trading platforms have seen a surge in activity due to naira volatility and interest in foreign assets. JustMarkets noted that it remains committed to regulatory compliance and investor education as it rolls out new offerings.
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