Nigeria News (Standard)
Tinubu Commissions Major Road Projects Worth Over ₦1trn Across Abuja, Lagos, Sokoto
President says new highways, including Lagos-Calabar Coastal route and Abuja expressways, will boost trade and connectivity nationwide
President says new highways, including Lagos-Calabar Coastal route and Abuja expressways, will boost trade and connectivity nationwide
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned several landmark road infrastructure projects in Abuja, Lagos and other parts of Nigeria since assuming office in May 2023. The initiatives, which include the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) and Arterial Road N20 interchange bridges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as phases of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, are part of a multi-billion naira infrastructure push by his administration.
The President inaugurated the newly completed main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) in Abuja in June 2026, connecting Ring Road I Junction to Ring Road II Junction. According to Tinubu, the project is designed to ease persistent traffic congestion within the FCT and enhance connectivity between fast-growing districts. “Our administration remains committed to delivering both inherited and newly initiated infrastructure projects across every region,” Tinubu said at the commissioning ceremony.
In June 2025, Tinubu also commissioned interchange bridges on Arterial Road N20—popularly called Wole Soyinka Way—over the Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Way) in Abuja. He described it as “a magnificent piece of infrastructure and a beacon of collective aspiration for a more prosperous Federal Capital Territory.” The bridges are expected to reduce travel time for commuters and improve overall traffic flow.
A major highlight of Tinubu’s first year was his commissioning of the first phase of the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in 2025. Designed to run approximately 700 kilometres along Nigeria’s coastline from Lagos to Cross River State, this highway is set to bolster maritime trade, local content development and tourism across southern Nigeria. During the inauguration, Tinubu reaffirmed government’s support for local technology transfer and empowerment of Nigerian workers involved in the construction.
In 2024, work was flagged off on key sections of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway—a proposed 1,068-kilometre corridor connecting northern states like Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger with Ogun and Lagos states in the southwest. The project is designed as a multi-lane concrete road with a projected lifespan spanning several decades. Government officials say it will strengthen vital trade routes linking Nigeria’s north and south.
These projects form part of Tinubu’s infrastructure agenda focused on completing inherited works while launching new corridors considered critical for national development. Stakeholders in transport and construction sectors have lauded the renewed attention to major highways but have urged government to ensure timely completion and transparent procurement processes. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on these latest commissions.
With ongoing efforts on projects like the Gombe-Biu Highway (valued at over ₦1.2trn), analysts say improved road networks will play a key role in stimulating economic growth, job creation and regional integration across Nigeria. The Federal Government has pledged sustained funding for transport infrastructure as part of broader plans to unlock national economic potential.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Arraigns Five in Abuja Over Alleged Arms Smuggling to Boko Haram
Suspects charged with terrorism and attempted illegal arms supply as authorities intensify clampdown on insurgency financing
Suspects charged with terrorism and attempted illegal arms supply as authorities intensify clampdown on insurgency financing
The federal government on Thursday arraigned five men before a court in Abuja, accusing them of terrorism and attempting to supply smuggled weapons to Boko Haram. The arraignment marks a significant step in ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to disrupt the logistics and funding networks supporting armed insurgent groups operating mainly in the North-East.
According to the charges, the suspects were accused of conspiring to provide arms unlawfully, with the intent of aiding Boko Haram’s violent campaign against the state. The prosecution presented details of alleged attempts by the accused persons to facilitate illegal shipments, which were intercepted following joint operations by security agencies.
The case underscores Nigeria’s continued struggle with insecurity linked to terrorist groups like Boko Haram, which has carried out attacks across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states for more than a decade. Security analysts say that disrupting arms supply chains is critical to reducing the operational capacity of such groups and safeguarding communities in affected regions.
A government representative at the court proceedings stated that authorities remain committed to pursuing all those involved in terrorism financing and logistics. “These charges demonstrate our resolve to ensure that anyone who aids or abets terrorist activities faces the full weight of the law,” he said. There was no immediate response from defence counsel representing the accused men at Thursday’s hearing.
The arraignment comes as security agencies have ramped up investigations into suspected collaborators across various states. The case has been adjourned for further hearing, with officials indicating that more arrests could follow as part of broader counter-insurgency operations.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Mexico Defeats Nine-Man South Africa 1–0 as Jiménez Scores in FIFA World Cup Clash
South Africa reduced to nine players after two red cards; Mexico secures narrow win to advance in group stage
South Africa reduced to nine players after two red cards; Mexico secures narrow win to advance in group stage
Mexico claimed a hard-fought 1–0 victory against South Africa in a dramatic FIFA World Cup match on Thursday, with striker Raúl Jiménez netting the decisive goal. The encounter, played at an international venue, saw the South African side finish with only nine players after two were sent off during the tense contest.
The match began with both teams searching for early opportunities, but momentum shifted after South Africa received their first red card midway through the first half. Despite being a man down, South Africa held firm until a second dismissal further weakened their defence. Mexico capitalised on their numerical advantage when Jiménez found the back of the net, putting his team ahead and ultimately sealing all three points.
This result has significant implications for both sides in the group standings. For Mexico, the win strengthens their bid to progress to the next round of the tournament, while South Africa now faces an uphill task to qualify after suffering defeat and losing key players to suspension. Nigerian football fans will be watching closely as these developments could shape potential opponents for the Super Eagles if they advance from their own group.
No official comments had been issued by either team’s coach as at press time. Football analysts have noted that discipline and player management will be crucial for teams hoping to go far in this year’s competition. Meanwhile, organisers are expected to review disciplinary actions following incidents of indiscipline on the pitch.
Both teams will return to action in their subsequent fixtures, with South Africa needing a win to revive their hopes and Mexico seeking another positive result to confirm qualification.
Nigeria News (Standard)
CBN to Revise Guidelines for Financial Holding Companies in Abuja
Central Bank moves to update regulatory framework, aiming to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s financial conglomerates
Central Bank moves to update regulatory framework, aiming to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s financial conglomerates
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced plans to review the rules governing financial holding companies, signalling a fresh move to strengthen oversight of the country’s financial sector. The development was made public in Abuja on Thursday, 11 June 2026, as part of ongoing efforts by the apex bank to align regulations with evolving industry realities.
According to the CBN, the review will focus on updating existing guidelines that oversee how financial holding companies operate within Nigeria’s banking ecosystem. These companies typically control multiple subsidiaries across banking, insurance, asset management and other financial services. The new rules are expected to address operational risks and ensure that holding structures do not undermine the stability of individual subsidiaries or the wider financial system.
The move comes amid growing concerns over compliance gaps and risk management practices among some holding companies. In recent years, stakeholders have called for clearer boundaries and stricter supervisory mechanisms to prevent abuses such as regulatory arbitrage or concentration of risk. The CBN’s planned revision is seen as an attempt to address these issues before they escalate.
While specific details of the proposed changes have not yet been disclosed, industry experts expect tighter reporting requirements and improved corporate governance standards. The apex bank said it will engage with relevant stakeholders—including commercial banks and non-bank subsidiaries—before finalising the revised framework.
The CBN is expected to release a draft guideline for public input in the coming weeks. Observers say the updated rules could have significant implications for conglomerates operating under holding structures, as well as for investors seeking clarity on sector stability.
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