The Federal Government has officially commenced the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Eastern rail corridor, according to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). Speaking during a national survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Enugu, the Railway District Manager for the Eastern District, Mr. Victor Adamu, confirmed that work on the narrow gauge has already started from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to Aba in Abia State.
He explained that the corridor stretches from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, traversing Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers, and part of Egbede in Benue State. “I am very happy to state that the segment of the contract was handed over to NRC on Nov. 28, 2024. We have our coaches that are running from Port Harcourt to Aba and back to Port Harcourt, five days in a week,” he said. However, Adamu acknowledged a pause in work between Aba and Enugu but assured that efforts were underway to resume that section soon.
According to Adamu, the renewed work aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which also encourages state government investment in railway development. “Sometime in April, the Managing Director of NRC, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, visited Enugu and we had some meaningful discussions with the governors of Abia and Enugu States. I believe that the visit will really bring out a lot of things that are going to happen on this corridor,” he noted.
He revealed that the governments of Anambra, Abia, and Enugu are ready to take advantage of this policy shift. On challenges, Adamu pointed to vandalism as a major issue affecting track materials and railway infrastructure. He said NRC is collaborating with the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, the military, and vigilante groups to tackle the menace. “There are some suspected vandals who were arrested in Imo, Rivers and Enugu states. We are doing these because these facilities are meant for Nigerians, and we are expected to own them as Nigerians,” he added. Notably, rail services in Enugu had been inactive for over two decades before this renewed effort.
Dutch tennis star Tim van Rijthoven has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 28, citing a chronic elbow injury that has not responded to extensive treatment.
Van Rijthoven captured global attention in 2022 when he enjoyed a breakout season, stunning then-world number two Daniil Medvedev in the final of the ‘s-Hertogenbosch tournament to claim his first ATP title. His dream run continued at Wimbledon that same year, where, as a wildcard, he reached the fourth round before falling to Novak Djokovic on Centre Court.
The 2022 campaign saw him rise to a career-high ranking of world No. 101. However, a combination of injuries and loss of form saw his ranking plummet outside the top 350 the following year.
In a heartfelt statement posted to social media late Tuesday, van Rijthoven confirmed his decision to step away from the sport.
“Due to a persistent elbow injury that has not healed despite all rehabilitation and medical interventions, I am forced to say goodbye to the sport I’ve dedicated my entire life to,” he wrote.
Reflecting on the highlights of his career, the Dutchman described his 2022 ATP title win on home soil as one of the “most beautiful moments” of his life.
“And of course, the fourth round at Wimbledon, where I had the honor of facing a living legend, Novak Djokovic, on Centre Court,” he added. “To have stood on that stage is something no one will ever be able to take away from me.”
Van Rijthoven’s story — marked by resilience, surprise success, and an untimely farewell — leaves a lasting legacy in Dutch tennis and the broader tennis world.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has exposed a major case of biometric fraud involving 19 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the country, with Anambra and Imo states topping the list. Data presented during JAMB’s 2025 policy meeting in Abuja on Tuesday revealed that Anambra had six centres involved, followed by Imo with four, while Abia, Edo, Kano (two centres), Ebonyi, Delta, Kaduna, Rivers, and Enugu each had one implicated centre.
The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, who made the disclosure during his presentation to vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts, also cited disturbing malpractice trends such as the use of albinos for impersonation via “image bending” and the remote uploading of exam data.
In a related development, two individuals have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Katsina for alleged impersonation and involvement in examination malpractice. According to the police prosecutor, Abdussalam Danmaidaki, the suspects, Bolanwu Emmanuel and Ibrahim Abdulaziz, were charged for their actions on April 30 at Zee Alpha International School, Funtua.
Emmanuel was said to have invited Abdulaziz to impersonate him and write the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) using his registration number: 2025515278JA. Both men are being tried under various sections of the Examination Malpractice Act, Cap E15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. They pleaded not guilty, and Justice Hussaini Dadan-Garba adjourned the case to July 18 for trial and witness presentation.
The Lagos State Government has officially unveiled the operational timelines for seven new laws passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The announcement was made in a statement by Mrs. Grace Alo, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, who explained that each law was assigned a commencement date through a Commencement Order issued the same day it received the Governor’s assent. According to the statement, the staggered implementation dates are intended to give room for public sensitization, education, and structural preparation necessary for enforcement.
Effective from February 19, 2025
Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Law
Took Effect on February 19th, 2025. This law establishes a comprehensive legal framework for improving fire safety, emergency response, and rescue services in Lagos. It restructures the mandate of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, expanding its powers to enforce safety codes and building regulations. It also makes provision for community fire education and the training of personnel to respond swiftly to emergencies across residential, commercial, and public spaces. Individuals or institutions that obstruct fire officials or fail to implement standard fire safety protocols will face penalties.
Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute Law
Took Effect on February 19th, 2025. It’s aimed at professionalising security operations, this law mandates structured, certified training programs for all officers working with security and regulatory agencies in the state. It formalises the Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) as the central body responsible for curriculum development, personnel training, and certification. Officers will undergo modules on human rights, conflict resolution, ethics, and public service conduct. The objective is to enhance community trust and improve accountability among enforcement bodies.
Human Organ Harvest and Tissue Transplantation Law
Took Effect on February 19th, 2025. This law provides the first-of-its-kind regulation in Lagos State governing the donation, harvesting, storage, and transplantation of human organs and tissues. With growing medical advancements and ethical concerns, the legislation lays out clear provisions for informed consent, medical oversight, and legal authorisation. It also imposes harsh penalties on individuals or institutions found engaging in illegal organ trade or non-consensual harvesting. Approved medical facilities will be required to maintain strict documentation and report any procedure to a central registry.
Consumer Protection Agency Law
Took Effect on February 19th, 2025. It’s aimed at safeguarding Lagosians from unfair business practices, this law sets up the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency. The agency will receive and mediate complaints, monitor quality control in the market, enforce recall of dangerous products, and educate consumers about their rights. The law covers both goods and services sectors and grants the agency the power to investigate, fine, and prosecute businesses that breach consumer trust.
Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Law
Took Effect on February 19th, 2025. This groundbreaking legislation establishes a support and protection framework for victims and witnesses of crime. The law enables victims to access legal representation, temporary shelter, psychological counseling, and medical treatment, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, trafficking, or assault. Witnesses in sensitive cases can also benefit from identity protection, relocation programs, and court-approved anonymity. The goal is to reduce fear, boost cooperation with investigations, and strengthen the criminal justice system.
Local Government Administration Law, 2025
Taking effect on August 4th, 2025. This reform-focused law revamps local government operations across the state. It defines the administrative roles, responsibilities, and boundaries of elected officials and council staff. The legislation aims to bring more transparency, efficiency, and fiscal discipline into local government affairs. Provisions include mechanisms for regular public engagement, service audits, and local development tracking. It also encourages better synergy between local councils and state ministries for better delivery of public services.
Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Law, 2025
Taking effect on August 4th, 2025. In honour of the late Lateef Jakande, a revered journalist and the first civilian governor of Lagos State, this law launches the Jakande Leadership Academy—a youth-focused initiative designed to groom future public sector leaders. The academy will run yearly fellowships for young professionals, offering them mentorship, training in governance, and real-time placements within government ministries and agencies. It reflects the state’s investment in values-based, innovative, and service-driven leadership.
“These laws are part of a broader agenda to improve the quality of life for every Lagos resident,” a senior official at the Ministry of Justice noted. “They are designed to bring fairness, safety, and efficiency into public service, governance, and everyday life.”
The rollout of these new laws is expected to serve as a model for other states aiming to modernise their legal and institutional frameworks.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s attendance at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro marks a significant moment for Nigeria’s foreign policy and economic aspirations. As the country continues to face domestic challenges such as inflation, insecurity, and sluggish economic growth, Tinubu’s engagement at the summit offers an opportunity to reposition Nigeria on the global stage.
With BRICS evolving into a larger alliance of emerging economies, Nigeria’s elevation to partner-country status in January 2025 signals growing diplomatic relevance but it also presents a critical moment to push for full membership and deeper integration.
As nearly half the world’s population and 40% of global GDP now fall under the BRICS umbrella, Tinubu must seize this platform to advocate for Nigeria’s inclusion in future initiatives.
Strategic meetings with leaders like Brazil’s President Lula could deepen trade and South-South cooperation, while broader collaboration with China, India, and South Africa could unlock partnerships in infrastructure, technology, and energy. The summit isn’t just a diplomatic outing, it’s a chance to redefine Nigeria’s economic future through multilateral alliances.
A year after failing to qualify for Wimbledon, Amanda Anisimova completed a stunning turnaround on Tuesday, celebrating her first-ever semi-final appearance at the All England Club with a victory lap alongside her young nephew on Court One.
The American collapsed in relief after a dramatic 6-1, 7-6(9) win over Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who mounted a spirited comeback late in the second set. The emotional win sets up a high-stakes semi-final clash against world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
Once Anisimova picked herself off the grass, she joyfully lifted her three-year-old nephew, Jackson, for a celebratory lap a moment as heartwarming as it was historic. Jackson, attending his first match, frequently called out to his aunt during the contest, adding a personal and memorable touch to the occasion.
“It’s been an extraordinary year filled with highs,” said Anisimova, reflecting on her resurgence. “Even during tense moments like today, I remind myself to enjoy every second. Having my nephew here made it even more special he’s never seen me play before.”
The 13th seed seemed destined for a straightforward win, racing to a 6-1, 5-2 lead with a barrage of powerful backhands, forceful forehands, and quick movement that left Pavlyuchenkova reeling. But just when victory appeared within grasp, the 34-year-old Russian found her rhythm, winning three straight games and saving two match points in the 10th game including with a surprise drop shot that stunned the American.
As Pavlyuchenkova pushed the second set into a tiebreak and earned five set points, Anisimova appeared visibly emotional, pleading to her support box for “one more point.” Yet, the 23-year-old held her nerve, saving all five set points and finally securing the win on her fourth match point after Pavlyuchenkova misfired on a return.
“It was a real battle,” said Anisimova, who stepped away from tennis in 2022 for eight months due to burnout. “She started playing unbelievable tennis at the end. That tiebreak was so stressful, but I just kept fighting. I’m incredibly happy to be in my first Wimbledon semi-final.”
Anisimova’s performance marks a significant rebound from just a year ago, when she was ranked outside the top 180 and lost in the qualifying rounds at Wimbledon.
Tuesday’s quarter-final was marked by brief, aggressive exchanges, with rallies averaging under three shots. Pavlyuchenkova, the 2021 French Open finalist, struggled with consistency managing only three winners and tallying 12 unforced errors in a swift 22-minute first set.
Having faced Serena Williams in her only other Wimbledon quarter-final appearance back in 2016, Pavlyuchenkova left the court in tears, visibly distraught after a grueling season that saw her battle Epstein-Barr virus and Lyme disease.
“She played incredible in the first set I couldn’t touch the ball,” the Russian admitted. “Once I started feeling better, I was already down 6-1, 5-2. I just kept fighting and saved match points, but it’s heartbreaking. I couldn’t stop crying. I think I just exploded after everything I’ve been through.”
While Pavlyuchenkova reflects on a hard-fought campaign, Anisimova continues her inspiring run one that embodies resilience, redemption, and a return to form on one of tennis’s grandest stages.
Barely days after stepping down as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The appointment, which has drawn widespread attention across political and aviation circles, was formally announced during the inauguration of the newly constituted board in Abuja.
Ganduje, a former two-term governor of Kano State and ex-national party leader, assumed this new federal role following his resignation from the APC leadership amid mounting internal pressure and factional disagreements. His appointment to the strategic aviation body is widely viewed as both a political realignment and a tactical redeployment by the presidency.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development noted that Ganduje’s leadership and governance experience were key reasons for his selection. According to insiders, his administrative background and exposure to national politics positioned him as a “stabilizing figure” capable of steering FAAN’s board through ongoing reforms in the aviation sector.
A source at the ministry described Ganduje’s appointment as “a calculated move to bring experienced oversight to one of the most critical agencies in Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.” The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is responsible for managing operations across the country’s major airports, a sector currently undergoing modernization and expansion.
Though the announcement has stirred mixed reactions online and in policy circles, officials maintain that the move was guided by a need to ensure continuity, stability, and strong leadership on the FAAN board as Nigeria seeks to attract more investment into its aviation space.
With Ganduje now leading the agency’s board, observers will be watching closely to see how he navigates his new role, especially after a high-profile exit from party leadership — and how this appointment fits into the broader political recalibration ahead of the 2027 elections.
A significant change has taken place in how the United States issues non-immigrant visas to Nigerian citizens. From now on, approved applicants will only receive a three-month, single-entry visa.
This represents a sharp departure from the previous five-year, multiple-entry arrangement that allowed Nigerians to visit the U.S. frequently for business or tourism.
In a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, the decision was described as being rooted in reciprocity.
The embassy explained that the change affects several countries, not just Nigeria, and emphasized that Nigerians with already valid visas will still be able to use them until their expiration dates.
The U.S. Department of State pointed to several factors behind the new policy. These include the need to protect its immigration system, manage overstays more effectively, and ensure that applicants are traveling with secure and authentic documents.
Nigerian authorities have been urged to cooperate more actively on these standards, especially around data-sharing and documentation integrity.
Despite the reduction in visa validity, U.S. officials maintained that Washington remains committed to strong bilateral ties with Nigeria, particularly through business, education, and cultural exchange programs.
Why Is This Happening Now?
This policy revision is rooted in concerns that have built up over time.
One reason is the issue of visa overstays. The U.S. has previously flagged Nigeria as a country with high rates of non-immigrant visa overstays, particularly in the B1/B2 category.
There is also the matter of documentation. Washington is now more insistent on countries sharing accurate traveler information and providing secure travel credentials.
Another key reason is reciprocity. The U.S. is adjusting visa agreements globally to ensure that American travelers are treated fairly when they visit other countries.
Since Nigeria currently does not offer five-year multiple-entry visas to American citizens, the U.S. sees this as a necessary correction.
The embassy stressed that these standards are technical and globally applied.
However, the implications for Nigerians will be uniquely felt given the country’s strong travel and professional ties with the United States.
What This Will Mean For Nigerians
Frequent travelers, including professionals, families with relatives in the U.S., and business owners, will face more barriers in planning visits.
With only a single-entry allowed for a three-month window, the convenience once enjoyed under the five-year visa system is now gone. Each trip will require a fresh application, which brings additional stress, time, and cost.
The cost implication is also significant. Nigerians will now need to pay the visa application fee each time they apply, instead of paying once for multiple visits over five years. At the moment, the current visa fee for a U.S. B1/B2 application stands at $185, which amounts to roughly ₦283,000. This makes regular travel more financially burdensome, especially for those who frequently engage in business or family visits.
Applicants may also face a more intense screening process. More emphasis is likely to be placed on financial documentation, proof of strong ties to Nigeria, and travel history. Those hoping to travel for the first time may find approval more difficult.
Diplomatically, this new visa restriction also raises questions about Nigeria’s response. Some experts argue that the country’s lack of strategic advocacy has left it vulnerable to policy decisions like this. Others believe it is time for Nigeria to review its own visa policy toward Americans or open discussions to renegotiate terms.
Prof. Alaba Ogunsanwo, a former Nigerian ambassador, emphasized that the U.S. has every right to revise its visa terms. However, he added that Nigeria can and should respond as a matter of principle. According to him, reciprocity is a basic diplomatic tool that should not be ignored.
Similarly, Prof. Kayode Soremekun criticized Nigeria’s failure to leverage the strength of its diaspora in engagements with Washington. He pointed out that Nigerians make significant contributions to the U.S. economy and society, including in healthcare, engineering, and research. Yet, these strengths are rarely used as bargaining chips in diplomatic conversations.
“Seven out of every ten Black doctors in the U.S. are Nigerians,” he noted. “Yet this diaspora card is hardly used in policy conversations with Washington.”
What Might Happen Next?
As of now, there has been no official reaction from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, experts anticipate that some form of diplomatic engagement will follow. This could mean negotiating a return to longer visa validity or imposing reciprocal limits for American visitors to Nigeria.
In the long term, Nigeria may need to meet key U.S. expectations around passport security, data transparency, and visa enforcement to regain a more favorable visa arrangement.
This development is a signal to Nigerian authorities and travelers alike. It serves as a reminder of the importance of consistent diplomatic engagement and the need to present Nigeria’s strengths more strategically on the global stage.
For now, it also means that many Nigerians with personal or professional interests in the U.S. will need to rethink their travel plans under tighter conditions.
Despite a series of reforms and frameworks like the National Policy on Education and the Universal Basic Education Act, Nigeria’s education sector still struggles to deliver quality and equity.
Schools across the country face the same recurring issues, underfunding, poor infrastructure, lack of accountability, and policy discontinuity. Many strategies look impressive on paper, but their impact rarely reaches the classroom. Often, the implementation fails due to budget shortfalls, political interference, and a disconnect between policymakers and real-world school environments.
As students and teachers grapple with outdated curricula, overcrowded classrooms, and limited resources, the urgency for effective policy execution becomes even more critical.
To move forward, Nigeria needs not just new policies, but genuine commitment to funding, monitoring, and long-term planning. With better oversight and continuity between governments, what’s written in policy documents can finally translate into meaningful change for learners nationwide.
Eastern Libyan authorities have deported a high-level European delegation including EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner and the interior ministers of Italy, Greece, and Malta accusing them of violating diplomatic protocol.
The group was turned away shortly after arriving in Benghazi, where the eastern government, led by Prime Minister Osama Hammad, declared them “persona non-grata” for allegedly entering without proper clearance and first visiting rival Tripoli in the west.
The eastern administration stated that the delegation was in “flagrant contravention of established diplomatic norms and international conventions, and through actions that demonstrably disregard Libyan national sovereignty.” It urged foreign representatives to respect “the principle of reciprocity, as enshrined in international agreements, treaties, and diplomatic custom.”
Though the visit aimed to strengthen cooperation on migration control, particularly to curb migrant boats leaving Libya for Europe, the fallout highlights the deep divisions within Libya’s fractured leadership.
Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hadzidakis criticized the move as unconstructive, while Brunner downplayed the incident, noting that while “the meetings planned in Benghazi could not take place in the end,” discussions in Tripoli went ahead and focused on reaffirming a joint commitment to combat migrant smuggling.
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