2027 Elections: Peter Obi Urges Nigerians To Defend Their Votes From Polling Unit To Final Results

September 7, 2026

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general elections and ensure their votes are protected from the polling unit through to the final declaration of results.

Obi made the appeal in a post on his official X handle after a series of engagements with party supporters, stakeholders and residents across Kogi, Benue and Enugu states.

The former Anambra State governor began the latest phase of his consultations in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, where he met with party members and stakeholders alongside the NDC’s Kogi East Senatorial candidate, High Chief Peter Ameh.

During the meeting, discussions focused on some of the key challenges affecting Nigerians, including insecurity, healthcare, education, unemployment and poverty.

Obi urged his supporters to remain committed to the democratic process while taking responsibility for protecting their votes throughout the electoral process.

“We urged our supporters to remain dedicated to the democratic process, turn out in large numbers to vote, and, above all, safeguard and defend their votes from the polling unit through the final declaration of results,” Obi said.

The NDC presidential candidate also visited Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State and Obollo Afor in Enugu State, where he engaged with residents and traders along the routes.

He said the issues raised during the various engagements were largely the same, with citizens calling for improved security, employment opportunities, functional hospitals and schools, and better economic opportunities.

“Across all these engagements, the concerns expressed by our people remain essentially the same. They seek security in their communities, meaningful employment opportunities for our youths, access to properly functioning hospitals and schools for their children, and the means and resources to lead decent, dignified lives

“These are not excessive demands. They represent the basic expectations citizens hold of a government dedicated to their welfare. As we move forward on this journey, our message remains unequivocal: Nigeria can succeed, and government can be made to serve its people,” Obi said.

Obi’s latest appeal comes days after he told supporters at a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, that he was prepared to stand alongside Nigerians in protecting their votes during the 2027 election.

The former Anambra governor was responding to a supporter who said Nigerians were “ready to die” to defend their mandate.

“Don’t be intimidated. Somebody said, ‘We are ready to die.’

“Let me tell you, I’m equally ready to die. So you’re not alone.”

Obi also warned that there could be attempts to manipulate the electoral process but expressed confidence that Nigerians would be more prepared to prevent such efforts.

Obi is seeking the presidency for the second consecutive election cycle after contesting the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party.

He finished third in the 2023 election with 6,101,533 votes, behind Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, who secured 6,984,520 votes, and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, who won with 8,794,726 votes.

Obi and the Labour Party challenged the outcome in court, alleging electoral irregularities. However, the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal dismissed the petition in September 2023, while the Supreme Court later upheld Tinubu’s victory.

Ahead of the 2027 election, opposition parties and politicians have intensified efforts to build alliances and realign politically.

Obi has since moved to the NDC, which unveiled him as its presidential candidate in May. He is contesting alongside former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is his running mate.

Atiku Abubakar, another major opposition contender, is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.

President Bola Tinubu is also seeking another term in office.

According to the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the 2027 general elections will commence on January 16, 2027, with the presidential and National Assembly elections.

The final register of voters is expected to be released on January 11, while political campaigns are scheduled to end on February 18. A possible presidential runoff is scheduled for February 28, with governorship and State Assembly elections expected to hold on March 6, 2027.

Dangote Refinery IPO: What Africa’s Biggest Share Sale means for ordinary Nigerians?

Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

September 7, 2026

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is taking a historic step into Nigeria’s capital market today, Monday, September 7, as the company signs documents for its Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The ceremony, scheduled for 11am in Lagos, marks a major milestone in the journey of Africa’s largest refinery from a privately owned industrial project to a publicly held company.

But beyond the ceremony, the IPO is significant for what it could mean for Nigeria’s capital market, energy security, industrial financing and the future ownership of one of the country’s most strategic assets.

A landmark capital-market transaction

The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the offer of 4.1 billion ordinary shares at ₦525 per share.

If fully subscribed, the offer would raise approximately ₦2.15 trillion, equivalent to about $1.6 billion at current exchange rates. Reuters describes the transaction as Africa’s largest-ever share sale.

The public offer is expected to open on September 14, following today’s signing ceremony.

This is important because the figures surrounding the IPO have evolved considerably.

Earlier plans pointed to the refinery raising as much as $5 billion through the sale of up to 10% of the business, based on a targeted valuation of around $50 billion. The latest regulatory structure, however, represents a substantially smaller initial share sale, while the company’s reported valuation is now around $47 billion.

That distinction matters: the refinery may be valued at tens of billions of dollars, but the amount being offered to the public initially is about $1.6 billion.

Why the valuation is attracting attention

The proposed valuation places the Dangote Refinery among the most valuable corporate assets in Africa.

The refinery was built at a reported cost of about $20 billion and has a nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. Reuters reports that the facility reached full capacity in February 2026 and has tested production as high as 700,000 barrels per day.

The valuation therefore reflects not simply the physical infrastructure, but expectations about the refinery’s future cash flows, export potential and strategic position in Africa’s petroleum-products market.

The critical question for investors will be whether the refinery can consistently convert its enormous processing capacity into sustainable revenue and profits.

That will depend on several factors: crude supply, operating efficiency, global oil and refined-product prices, domestic fuel demand, export markets, foreign-exchange conditions and the regulatory environment.

Why investors are watching closely

The Dangote Refinery is not a conventional industrial company. It sits at the centre of Nigeria’s energy economy.

For years, Nigeria depended heavily on imported refined petroleum products despite being one of Africa’s largest crude-oil producers. The Dangote refinery was designed to change that equation by processing crude domestically and supplying products including petrol, diesel and aviation fuel.

Its expansion into export markets also gives the business a potentially much larger addressable market than Nigeria alone.

The refinery has already begun supplying petroleum products beyond Nigeria, strengthening its position as a regional refining and trading hub.

For investors, this creates the possibility of exposure to an energy business with both domestic and international revenue opportunities.

The expansion story

Perhaps one of the most important questions surrounding the IPO is what Dangote intends to do with the capital raised.

The group has said it plans to expand the refinery’s capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day. Reuters reports that the IPO is connected to this broader expansion strategy.

If achieved, the expansion would transform the facility into an even larger refining operation and potentially strengthen Nigeria’s position as a major supplier of refined petroleum products to Africa.

That makes the IPO more than an ownership transaction.

It could become a mechanism for financing the next phase of Nigeria’s largest privately owned energy infrastructure project.

What does this mean for ordinary Nigerians?

For the average Nigerian, the biggest question is not necessarily how much the refinery is worth. It is whether the company’s growth will translate into tangible economic benefits.

A larger and more efficient domestic refining industry could reduce Nigeria’s exposure to imported petroleum products and some of the foreign-exchange pressures associated with imports.

It could also support local employment, logistics, shipping, engineering, financial services and other businesses connected to the petroleum-products value chain.

But investors and consumers should distinguish between a successful IPO and cheaper petrol. The listing itself does not guarantee lower pump prices.

Fuel prices will continue to depend on crude-oil prices, exchange rates, refining costs, taxes, transportation, distribution margins and market conditions.

A major test for Nigeria’s capital market

The IPO is also a test of how much capital Nigeria’s domestic market can mobilise for large-scale businesses.

The proposed ₦2.15 trillion offer is several times larger than many previous Nigerian equity offerings.

It could therefore broaden participation in the refinery’s ownership and deepen the country’s equity market.

For the Nigerian Exchange, the transaction could also demonstrate that the market is capable of supporting mega-sized listings capable of attracting institutional and potentially international investors.

The deal could create a benchmark for other large Nigerian companies considering public listings.

But there are risks

The size and strategic importance of the refinery do not eliminate investment risks.

The most obvious is valuation.

Analysts will have to determine whether a valuation approaching $47 billion is justified by the refinery’s expected earnings and cash flows. Reuters reports that some analysts have questioned the valuation when compared with established international refiners.

There are also operational risks.

Running a 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery at high utilisation requires reliable crude supplies, infrastructure and technical performance.

There is also the question of crude supply.

Nigeria remains a major crude producer, but production has historically been affected by theft, pipeline problems, insecurity and underinvestment. For a refinery of Dangote’s scale, securing sufficient crude at competitive prices is critical.

The company is therefore not insulated from the wider challenges confronting Nigeria’s oil industry.

Why today’s signing matters

Today’s ceremony is therefore more than a corporate event. It represents the transition of one of Africa’s most ambitious private-sector projects into a potentially widely owned public company.

The refinery began as a roughly $20 billion industrial project. It is now being taken to the capital market with a valuation reported around $47 billion and a public offer that could raise approximately ₦2.15 trillion.

If successfully completed, the transaction will give Nigerian and other investors an opportunity to own part of an asset that has become central to the country’s energy-security ambitions.

It could also mark a new phase for Dangote Group — moving from financing and building the refinery to unlocking its value through public ownership while raising capital for further expansion.

Dangote Refinery IPO Set For Monday, Targets $50bn Valuation

Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

September 7, 2026

Dangote Petroleum Refinery is set to take a major step towards public ownership today, Monday, September 7, with the signing of documents for its Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The signing ceremony is scheduled for 11am at Eko Hotels, Lagos, as Africa’s biggest industrial project moves closer to becoming a publicly traded company.

The refinery, founded by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is targeting a valuation of about $50 billion and plans to offer up to a 10% stake, potentially raising around $5 billion.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the IPO, which involves the offer of 4.1 billion ordinary shares at ₦525 per share. If fully subscribed, the offer could raise approximately ₦2.15 trillion.

The SEC has also registered the refinery’s existing 120.13 billion ordinary shares as part of the IPO process.

With a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the Dangote Refinery has become a major player in Nigeria’s petroleum market, helping to reduce the country’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

Today’s signing marks another significant milestone in the refinery’s journey and could rank among the largest capital-market transactions in Nigeria’s history.

Sanwo-Olu Defends Fuel Subsidy Removal As Atiku Promises To Restore It

Favour Enyosa

September 4, 2026

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has defended the Federal Government’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, acknowledging the financial pressure it has placed on households while arguing that key economic indicators suggest the reform is beginning to deliver results.

Sanwo-Olu spoke on Thursday at the Freedom Online 7th Yearly Lecture in Ikeja, where he said the subsidy had become “a hole in the national purse through which the money for roads, schools and hospitals was draining away”. He also argued that much of the money spent on the subsidy did not ultimately benefit the motorists it was intended to support.

According to the governor, all major candidates in the 2023 presidential election had pledged to remove the subsidy, but “only one of them was in a position to do it, and he did it on his first day in office”.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that the policy has imposed significant hardship on Nigerians.

“I will not stand here and tell you that it has been painless. It has not,” he said. “Lagosians have felt it at the pump, at the market, and in the price of a bag of rice, and any governor who tells you otherwise has not been listening to his own people. But the measure of a reform is not whether it hurts. It is whether it heals.”

His comments come as the 2027 presidential campaign gathers momentum, with the subsidy policy emerging as a major point of debate between the ruling administration and the opposition.

Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has promised to restore the subsidy if elected. In a post on X on August 26, Atiku stated: “On the question of subsidy, my position has not changed and will not change: I will restore it!”

He argued that the policy had worsened poverty, adding: “When fuel rises, transport rises. When transport rises, food rises. When food rises, families suffer.”

The Presidency has estimated that restoring the subsidy could cost the country ₦19.1 trillion, based on crude oil at $80 per barrel, amounting to roughly ₦52.3 billion daily.

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Onanuga, has challenged Atiku to explain who would benefit from the subsidy, how the policy would be financed and when it would eventually end. He also recalled that Atiku had previously described the subsidy regime as “just a fraud” and pledged to complete its removal.

Sanwo-Olu based much of his defence on economic figures published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), urging journalists and Nigerians to examine the data themselves.

“These are not my numbers,” he said. “Every journalist in this hall can check them. I invite you to.”

The NBS recently reported that Nigeria’s economy expanded by 4.43 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 3.89 per cent in the first quarter and 4.23 per cent in Q2 2025.

Agriculture grew by 4.39 per cent, up from 2.82 per cent a year earlier, while the services sector expanded by 4.6 per cent.

Sanwo-Olu also noted that the economy is more than 18 per cent larger in nominal terms than it was 12 months earlier. However, the figure is not adjusted for inflation, which stood at 15.91 per cent in June.

Nigeria’s external reserves also crossed the $53 billion mark in late August, reaching $53.11 billion, while the country recorded a foreign trade surplus of ₦7.55 trillion in the first quarter of 2026.

Inflation, which had risen to almost 35 per cent by the end of 2024, has since fallen considerably. The CBN also reported that Nigerians abroad sent $947 million through formal channels in July, representing the highest monthly inflow recorded so far.

On the capital market, Sanwo-Olu said the Nigerian Exchange has been among the world’s strongest performers this year, with the value of listed companies increasing significantly since 2023. Market capitalisation crossed ₦150 trillion on April 29, closing at ₦152.728 trillion.

The governor also reiterated the administration’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

“Set the target, do the work, and let the scoffers keep the score.”

The Lagos governor further argued that the removal of the subsidy has significantly increased the amount of money shared among the three tiers of government.

He said monthly allocations to state and local governments have more than doubled in naira terms since the subsidy was removed, meaning governors can no longer attribute poor development outcomes solely to inadequate federal allocations.

The Federation Account Allocation Committee distributed ₦2.551 trillion in June 2026, with states receiving ₦838.21 billion and local government councils getting ₦591.39 billion.

By comparison, the three tiers of government shared ₦655.93 billion in May 2023, the last full month before the subsidy was removed.

“The President has done his part; the money is arriving. What is done with it is on us,” Sanwo-Olu said. “The excuses have been removed, and the electorate knows it.”

He added that voters may not necessarily be economists, but they understand how to assess what governments have done with public funds.

“may not be economists, but they are excellent accountants. They know whether their State built the road it promised. They know whether the primary health centre has a nurse in it. They will bring that ledger with them to the polling unit.”

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that governments do not control every factor affecting the economy, pointing to global oil prices, conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, as well as interest-rate decisions by major central banks.

He said the responsibility of government is to respond effectively to such external pressures and protect households, businesses and industries from their impact.

However, the governor did not provide specific figures on the impact of subsidy removal on real household incomes, poverty or unemployment, nor did he state how much the Federal Government has saved since the policy was introduced in 2023.

PENGASSAN: Fuel Subsidy Debate Is Over, Nigerians Must Start Seeing The Benefits

Favour Enyosa

September 4, 2026

Debates over the removal of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy have resurfaced ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition figures and critics questioning the policy amid rising living costs. However, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) says the debate is now belated and attention should instead shift towards ensuring Nigerians feel the benefits of the policy.

PENGASSAN President Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro stated this while appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

“I think the argument over whether to remove the subsidy or not to remove it is belated now. We have done it, but we need to start seeing the benefits of fuel subsidy removal in the lives of common Nigerians,” Olabiyi-Agoro said on Friday.

President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy shortly after assuming office in May 2023. Since then, petrol prices have risen from about ₦200 per litre to around ₦1,300 per litre.

The policy has been linked by economists and other commentators to the rising cost of living, while opposition politicians and critics have continued to fault the Federal Government over the impact on Nigerians.

More than three years after the policy was introduced, some presidential candidates, including Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have promised to reverse it. The Federal Government, however, maintains that there is no plan to return to fuel subsidy payments.

The PENGASSAN president acknowledged that the policy was “painful”, noting that it “became extremely hard on Nigerians and workers” who continue to grapple with economic hardship.

While Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded a 4.43 per cent growth in the second quarter of 2026, Olabiyi-Agoro said the government must ensure that improvements in economic indicators go beyond statistics and have a direct impact on citizens.

He said the country must move beyond “traction in the macroeconomic indicators affecting Nigeria”.

According to him, economic improvements should “translate into food or better living conditions for the average Nigerian.”

“What we are advocating for at the moment is that we want to see that translate into what is going to help a common man and not just the things that we see in figures,” the PENGASSAN chief said on the breakfast show.

Yes, those figures are good. We can relate to some of them. The GDP is getting better; the balance of trade. Things like our reserves in terms of forex – all those things are positive, but we want to see positive things in the lives of common Nigerians, and as workers, we are ready to do our own and put in our own input in that perspective to support whichever government is in power.”

Olabiyi-Agoro also linked improvements in the availability of petroleum products to the removal of the subsidy.

“From the moment there was no budget for subsidy again up until now, we believe that we are buying products at their right prices without the government putting in a subsidy, so I think we’ve left one side of that argument [on whether to remove subsidy or not],” Olabiyi-Agoro said.

He maintained that the focus should now be on translating the economic gains associated with the policy into tangible improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.

Soldiers Rescue Three Kidnap Victims In Katsina

Favour Enyosa

September 4, 2026

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three kidnapped victims during a security operation along the Dandume-Sheme Road in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The victims were rescued on Thursday, September 3, following a distress alert from residents about the activities of suspected terrorists operating along the major road.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said troops, working alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police, immediately moved to the area after receiving the alert.

According to Danja, the security forces engaged the suspected terrorists and overpowered them with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat into the surrounding bush.

He said the fleeing terrorists abandoned the kidnapped victims as they came under pressure from the advancing troops.

“Exploitation of the general area led to the rescue of three kidnapped victims along with two vehicles used by the terrorists,” Danja said.

The rescued victims and the recovered vehicles were later handed over to the Divisional Police Officer in Dandume for further necessary action.

Danja said troops had intensified patrols and maintained a strong presence along the corridor to prevent terrorists from moving freely and reduce the risk of further attacks.

He described the operation as part of the task force’s ongoing efforts to protect lives and property within its area of responsibility.

The military also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies to enable early intervention against criminal and terrorist threats.

UN Appeals For $50 Million To Support Nepal Flood Victims

Favour Enyosa

September 4, 2026

The United Nations has appealed for nearly $50 million in emergency funding to support more than 84,000 people affected by catastrophic flooding in Nepal, warning that the approaching winter is adding urgency to relief efforts.

The appeal was made on Friday as communities continue to recover from the devastating August 26 floods along the China-Nepal border.

The disaster, triggered by a glacial mountain collapse, has killed more than 1,300 people and left more than 5,600 others missing across Nepal and China.

“Time is against them,” the UN office in Nepal said.

“For those who survived, the flood has taken almost everything that made daily life possible,” it added.

The floods swept through several mountainous districts, destroying roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure and leaving many communities struggling to access essential assistance.

“UN Nepal and partners are appealing for nearly $50 million to deliver cash, food, shelter, clean water, healthcare and other life-saving assistance to the most devastated communities,” it said.

The UN also raised concerns about growing health risks in displacement centres and communities affected by the disaster.

“Health authorities are already watching fever and diarrhoea in displacement centres,” the UN appeal added.

“Human remains and thousands of dead livestock still lie in the debris, raising the risk of communicable disease outbreaks.”

Meanwhile, communities located close to the flood’s epicentre remain cut off, increasing the urgency of providing shelter and other basic necessities.

“Families whose homes are gone need durable shelter in weeks, not months,” the appeal said.

A preliminary UN assessment estimated that damage to buildings from the flooding in Nepal alone had reached $158 million.

The organisation warned that the overall economic impact would be considerably higher when losses involving roads, bridges, agricultural land and humanitarian operations are taken into account.

Nepal has indicated that the cost of rebuilding the affected areas could run into “billions” of dollars as authorities assess the scale of destruction caused by the floods.

2027 Elections: INEC Plans Mock Presidential Poll

Favour Enyosa

September 4, 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering a mock presidential election to test the reliability of its electoral technology ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, while also developing a faster digital response system to tackle AI-generated and manipulated misinformation.

National Commissioner Prof. Sani Muhammad Adam, SAN, disclosed this while delivering a keynote address on behalf of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, at the 13th Annual International Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).

The conference, themed “Media, Technology and Elections in Africa: Navigating Digital Disruption and the New Dynamics of Electoral Communication,” examined the growing impact of technology and digital communication on elections across Africa.

Adam said INEC had begun a comprehensive review of its electoral technology infrastructure as part of preparations for the 2027 polls.

The assessment covers system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery planning. The commission is also considering a mock presidential election to test its systems and identify potential weaknesses before election day.

The proposed exercise is informed partly by lessons from the 2023 general election, when technologies including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) played significant roles in the electoral process.

However, Adam stressed that technological improvements alone would not be enough to guarantee public trust without reliable performance and clear communication.

He said INEC was therefore working on a rapid-response digital communication mechanism designed to detect, verify and counter false or misleading information before it gains widespread traction.

The commission also plans to strengthen partnerships with universities, communication scholars, media organisations, fact-checkers, technology companies and civil society groups to build a more resilient electoral information ecosystem.

Speaking at the conference, ACSPN National President, Prof. Rotimi Williams Olatunji, called for a coordinated approach involving electoral authorities, political parties, media organisations, technology platforms, civil society organisations and academic institutions.

Olatunji said stronger fact-checking mechanisms, AI-content detection tools, responsible political communication and improved media literacy would be critical to protecting the credibility of the electoral process.

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, also warned about the possible influence of AI-generated and manipulated content on the 2027 elections.

Issa-Onilu urged stakeholders to encourage responsible digital citizenship and provide Nigerians with the skills needed to distinguish genuine information from fabricated or manipulated content.

One of the highlights of the conference was the presentation of a Plaque of Honour to INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, in recognition of the commission’s contribution to democratic governance and electoral integrity.

Adam received the award on behalf of the INEC chairman.

The conference brought together communication scholars, media professionals, policymakers, election administrators and technology experts to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in electoral communication ahead of the 2027 general elections.

First Niger Bridge To Close For Two Weeks As FG Begins Emergency Repairs

Favour Enyosa

September 4, 2026

The Federal Government will temporarily shut the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for two weeks to allow emergency rehabilitation and maintenance work on the ageing infrastructure.

The closure is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, with the bridge expected to reopen on Monday, September 21, according to the Federal Ministry of Works.

The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, announced the development in a statement on Friday.

He explained that the decision was prompted by concerns over the deteriorating condition of the bridge, particularly damaged sections of the carriageway and some components affected by vandalisation.

The intervention was ordered by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, following his recent inspection of the bridge and other infrastructure in the state.

According to the ministry, SKECC, the contractor responsible for the relevant section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to immediately begin the emergency rehabilitation.

The repair will include the removal of the deteriorated asphalt surface and the installation of an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course, alongside other maintenance and safety measures.

As part of efforts to enhance security around the bridge, the ministry also plans to install solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras.

Emenike said the intervention is aimed at providing motorists with a safer and smoother road surface while improving traffic flow along the major transport corridor connecting Anambra and Delta states.

With the First Niger Bridge fully closed throughout the rehabilitation period, motorists have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond.

The ministry said traffic diversion measures, including road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel, would be deployed to regulate vehicle movement and safeguard motorists, construction workers and other road users.

Motorists have been urged to reduce their speed around diversion and construction areas, avoid reckless overtaking and obey instructions from traffic-control personnel and security agencies.

The ministry also advised commuters and commercial road users to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel during the closure.

It said construction work would continue during both the day and night to ensure the emergency repairs are completed within the approximately two-week timeframe.

The First Niger Bridge remains a major transportation link between Anambra and Delta states, meaning the temporary closure is expected to affect commuters, commercial transport operators and businesses along the corridor.

The Federal Ministry of Works appealed to residents, businesses and other stakeholders to cooperate with the temporary traffic-management arrangements.

According to the ministry, although the closure may cause inconvenience, it is necessary to restore the bridge to a safer and more efficient condition while improving traffic movement along the route.

Akwa Ibom: Gov Eno Commissions 6.475km Amanyam-Mbiaso Road In Ikot Ekpene

Favour Enyosa

September 4, 2026

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has commissioned the 6.475-kilometre Amanyam–Mbiaso Road in Ikot Ekpene, highlighting his administration’s focus on infrastructure development and improving living conditions across the state.

The road was commissioned on Thursday in Amanyam, Ikot Ekpene, as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary.

Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Eno said his administration would remain focused on delivering development and improving the quality of life of residents rather than engaging in unnecessary political activities.

“Whatever developmental efforts that we are putting in place are tailored towards the overall benefit and improved living conditions of our people. We don’t play politics with the welfare of our citizenry,” he said.

The governor also announced plans to undertake more development projects in the area, including the Ikot Ekpene International Market, Compassionate Homes, Primary Health Centres and additional road projects.

Eno commended the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Aniefiok Nkom, for implementing projects focused on improving the welfare of residents.

He described similar initiatives being undertaken by local government chairmen across Akwa Ibom as encouraging, saying they demonstrate the benefits of local government autonomy.

Providing details of the newly commissioned road, the Commissioner for Works, Eno Ibanga, said the 6.475-kilometre single-carriageway has an eight-metre width and 12.95 kilometres of side drains.

Ibanga described the project as an important development corridor linking Amanyam with Ifuho, Ibong, Ikot Udoe and Mbiaso communities.

He added that the road was carefully supervised throughout construction to ensure that it met the required standards while delivering quality and durability.

The Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Aniefiok Nkom, praised Governor Eno for the development projects being executed in the area.

He specifically highlighted the ongoing International Market, hospital project and road infrastructure, including the newly commissioned Amanyam–Mbiaso Road.

“You have done so much in and for Ikot Ekpene. Currently, you have four projects to commission in Ikot Ekpene. I want to tell you that we are very happy with you,” Nkom said.

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