A total of 67 Nigerians returning from South Africa have arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos following concerns over xenophobic attacks and rising anti-migrant tensions in the country.

The returnees arrived aboard South African Airways at about 8:45 pm on Wednesday and were received by officials from several Federal Government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.

NEMA’s South-West Coordinator, Alex Oturu, said the latest return was facilitated by well-meaning Nigerians who provided assistance, including funds for flight tickets and other support, to help those affected return home.

The latest group follows the return of 83 Nigerians from South Africa the previous Thursday.

South Africa has remained a major destination for migrants from across Africa. However, the country has experienced repeated incidents of anti-migrant violence over the past two decades.

Tensions intensified this year after vigilante groups reportedly ordered undocumented foreigners to leave the country by June 30.

More than 176,000 people have left South Africa in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally based on figures provided by African countries that have repatriated their citizens.

South African police have reported that at least four migrants have been killed in the violence, although some foreign governments have put the death toll at a higher figure.

Nigeria has previously raised concerns with South African authorities over repeated attacks against its citizens and has pushed for the issue to receive greater attention at the continental level.

Ghana, which has also strongly condemned the attacks, has called for the African Union to debate the anti-migrant violence at its next summit early next year.

Nigeria is similarly seeking to have the issue placed on the AU agenda as concerns over the safety of its citizens in South Africa continue.

State governors are considering ways to reduce transportation costs across Nigeria through the proposed National Affordable CNG Transit Programme (NACTP).

The proposal was discussed during the 3rd meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), held on Wednesday in Abuja and chaired by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

During the meeting, governors received a presentation on the proposed NACTP, a state-led initiative designed to use the lower operating costs of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to help bring down transport fares for passengers.

The programme would involve state support for CNG vehicle conversions, the expansion of CNG-powered fleets and the development of supporting infrastructure. Participating transport operators would also be expected to commit to affordable fares, with the ultimate goal of reducing the cost of commuting for Nigerians.

According to the NGF, governors acknowledged the programme’s potential to ease transportation expenses but said further consideration was needed regarding its financing and implementation framework.

The Forum said the initiative could provide relief to citizens if successfully implemented, particularly as transportation costs continue to affect household expenses and economic activity.

Governors Discuss Trade And Investment Opportunities

The governors also considered other issues affecting the country, including opportunities for states to participate in CANEX Weekend 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027, both of which are scheduled to take place in Lagos.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, made a presentation on the opportunities available to state governments through the two events.

“Governors noted the platform’s potential to showcase investment-ready projects, promote local exports and tourism, and connect State MSMEs with African and global investors and buyers. “The Forum assured the Honourable Minister of its support in achieving these objectives,” the statement said.

The governors said participation in the platforms could help states promote local businesses, attract investment and create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to connect with buyers and investors across Africa and beyond.

Governors And Deputies At The Meeting

Among those who attended the NGF meeting were Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule.

Deputy governors from Katsina, Yobe, Niger and Oyo states were also represented.

If adopted and properly funded, the proposed CNG transit programme could provide a new pathway for states to support cheaper public transportation while encouraging wider adoption of cleaner and potentially more affordable CNG-powered vehicles.

The Federal Government has introduced 100 electric buses under the Renewed Hope Mass Transit Programme as part of efforts to ease transportation challenges and improve the welfare, punctuality and productivity of federal civil servants.

The first batch of 37 buses was commissioned on Wednesday at Eagle Square in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, less than a day before the end of her tenure.

Walson-Jack described the initiative as an important workers’ welfare intervention, noting that access to affordable, safe and dependable transportation could reduce some of the financial and safety challenges associated with daily commuting.

“What we have here is 37 buses, being the first instalment of the 100 Electric Buses,” she said.

She explained that transportation costs, safety and reliability directly influence workers’ finances, punctuality and overall productivity.

“For many civil servants, the daily commute shapes their finances, their safety, their punctuality, and ultimately their productivity,” she said.

According to her, the programme is expected to help civil servants save money, reduce the risks associated with commuting and arrive at work with more energy to carry out their responsibilities.

The electric bus programme will initially operate as a pilot on selected routes before being expanded. The buses are also expected to be deployed to Federal Secretariats across the country.

To ensure proper management and sustainability, Walson-Jack disclosed that a Special Purpose Vehicle had been established to oversee the operation, maintenance and long-term management of the fleet.

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, described the initiative as more than a transport intervention, saying it also connects workers’ welfare with productivity, industrialisation and technological advancement.

Enoh said each of the 100 electric buses could carry up to 200 passengers and cover at least 200 kilometres on a full charge.

He commended the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and other stakeholders involved in the project, while encouraging local manufacturers to invest in electric vehicle production, increase local content and develop vehicles capable of competing in international markets.

The NADDC Director-General, Olu Osanipin, said the launch of the first batch marked the beginning of a phased deployment of the electric buses.

He disclosed that the full fleet of 100 buses is expected to be deployed by December 2026.

Osanipin added that the programme would contribute to the Federal Government’s efforts to promote cleaner transportation while supporting the growth of Nigeria’s local automotive manufacturing industry.

Enoh reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that its economic reforms lead to tangible improvements in industrial growth, employment, infrastructure and the living standards of Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies to begin an immediate, coordinated operation to rescue victims abducted during a recent mass kidnapping in Niger State.

The directive followed the abduction and killing of residents in the state, an attack Tinubu described as a barbaric assault on innocent Nigerians.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to mobilise for the rescue mission.

Tinubu also instructed the Service Chiefs to provide regular updates on the operation until all the abducted victims are safely accounted for.

Describing the attackers as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity”, the President vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.

“Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed in this barbaric assault and pray that Almighty God grant them eternal rest and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear this painful loss.

“You are not alone. The entire nation shares your anguish. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothers and fathers are brought back safely to you,” he said.

Tinubu assured residents of Niger State that his administration would continue to deploy security resources to protect communities and tackle terrorism and other forms of criminality.

“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life.

“My prayers are with the people of Niger State at this difficult time. The Federal Government stands firmly with the State Government and will provide all necessary support to aid recovery, relief, and security reinforcement,” Tinubu said.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has apologised to Nigerians over the worsening condition of the Benin-Asaba Expressway and ordered the arrest of contractors or concessionaires who remove asphalt from federal roads without proper authorisation.

Umahi gave the directive on Tuesday while inspecting the troubled highway in Benin, Edo State, following growing complaints from motorists about damaged sections of the road and prolonged traffic congestion.

The minister expressed serious dissatisfaction with the work being carried out by the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), accusing the concessionaire of failing to provide the technical expertise needed to properly execute the project.

According to Umahi, the situation became worse after existing asphalt was removed without first putting adequate drainage infrastructure in place.

“You don’t know what you are doing. You have no technical staff or competence. The President has directed us to do whatever is possible to fix this road,” the minister said.

Umahi said the Federal Government had previously warned the concessionaire against removing the existing asphalt, but alleged that the directive was disregarded.

He subsequently instructed ministry officials and relevant authorities to arrest any contractor or concessionaire found removing asphalt from existing roads without approval.

“I’m directing all controllers to arrest any contractor or concessionaire that removes asphalt on a road. This road was not like this before we handed it over to you,” he said.

Umahi apologised to Nigerians for the hardship caused by the poor state of the road, saying the Federal Government would take responsibility for resolving the crisis.

“I take full responsibility for their misdeed and destruction of public assets,” Umahi stated.

The minister said the government was considering the overriding public interest provision in the concession agreement, which could allow it to intervene directly in the project.

He added that competent contractors would be deployed to repair the affected sections, while the government would seek the assistance of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) on parts of the road around Asaba.

The development could lead to a major review of the concession arrangement if BAECC fails to meet the required standards.

During the inspection, Umahi also visited the Benin-Warri Road and disclosed plans for a broader redesign of major roads across Edo State.

He said President Bola Tinubu had directed him to redesign roads linking Kogi to Warri and other major routes across Edo State, with concrete pavement being considered for the reconstruction.

“I am disappointed. The President has directed me to redesign all roads from Kogi to Warri and around Edo State. They are to be done with concrete pavement,” he said.

Umahi explained that some of the affected roads required complete reconstruction rather than repeated temporary repairs.

He also praised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for intervening on several federal roads in the state and encouraged other governors to support efforts aimed at improving critical infrastructure.

Okpebholo said the President’s intervention showed concern for the difficulties being faced by motorists and other road users along the corridor.

The Chief Executive Officer of BAECC, Samuel Daramola, attributed some of the delays to heavy rainfall and the volume of traffic on the highway.

“We are battling with weather; as much as we want to keep to the scope of work. We expected our palliative work to have been completed long ago,” Daramola said.

He explained that the concessionaire had struggled to balance drainage construction with the need to maintain traffic flow on the busy highway.

“How do we start with drains when there is heavy traffic? We have tried to engage all parties and communities. We are determined to ensure we complete this road. We have reputation to maintain,” he said.

However, the project consultant’s representative, Toyin Akinlapa, disputed the explanation regarding the sequence of work.

Akinlapa said the concessionaire had been advised to construct the drainage system before removing the existing asphalt but failed to follow the recommendation.

“We told them to first do the drains but they ignored us and that affected the road. The company had some challenges in their technical team,” he said.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, also called for a review of the Benin-Asaba concession agreement.

Alabi said the government should review similar concession arrangements to ensure private operators deliver infrastructure according to approved standards.

“The people want to see good roads. There must be palliative measures. Let us come up with a solution where people can move,” he said.

The inspection followed mounting complaints about the Benin-Asaba highway, with motorists reportedly spending days navigating severely damaged sections and heavy traffic.

The highway was concessioned to BAECC in 2025 for conversion into a 10-lane highway, with the concessionaire announcing in October 2025 that it planned to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.