The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring commercial train services along the Lagos-Kano narrow-gauge corridor, with operations expected to reach Offa, Kwara State, before the end of 2025.
This ambitious initiative, led by NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa, aims to revitalize rail transport, boost economic activity, and enhance connectivity across Nigeria’s southwest and northern regions.
Dr. Opeifa announced the restoration plan during a meeting with the Lagos State chapter of the Offa Descendants Union (ODU), as reported by Voice of Nigeria.
He emphasized that NRC engineers are working tirelessly to repair damaged tracks, with service reactivation targeted to reach Offa, Ilorin, Mokwa, Kaduna, and ultimately Kano by December 2025.
“Despite setbacks like washouts along the corridor, we are committed to restoring this vital route to facilitate passenger and cargo movement,” Opeifa stated.
The Lagos-Kano route, part of Nigeria’s 3,505-kilometer narrow-gauge network, has been a critical artery for trade and travel but has faced challenges due to vandalism and aging infrastructure.
The NRC’s efforts include partnerships with state governments in Niger, Kano, and Kaduna to restore shuttle services on the Minna-Kaduna and Kaduna-Kano routes, as well as collaborations to combat vandalism.
Opeifa highlighted the exemplary role of Offa residents in safeguarding railway assets, urging other communities to follow suit.
In a related development, the NRC has signed Memoranda of Understanding with five tertiary institutions, including Yaba College of Technology, Kwara State Polytechnic, and Federal Polytechnic Offa, to enhance local expertise in railway technology.
These partnerships aim to train a new generation of professionals in locomotive engineering and rail logistics, reducing reliance on foreign expertise.
“This collaboration will build skilled manpower to sustain our railway operations,” Opeifa noted.
The restoration project is expected to boost economic activities by improving access to markets and reducing transportation costs for goods and passengers.
Dr. Osita Chukwu, National Coordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers & Exporters Coalition, praised the initiative, stating, “A dependable rail system linking Lagos to Kano will unlock trade corridors and cut transit times significantly.”
Despite the optimism, challenges remain, including persistent vandalism and unresolved staff welfare issues.
The National Union of Railway Workers in Zaria raised concerns about unpaid promotion arrears and career stagnation, urging the NRC to address these alongside route reactivation.
As the NRC intensifies efforts to restore the Lagos-Kano corridor, Nigerians are hopeful that the revived route will enhance regional integration and drive economic growth, positioning rail transport as a reliable alternative to road travel.
Nigerian Railway Corporation Aims To Restore Lagos-Kano Route By End Of Year
Trump Vows New 10% Tariff On Countries Backing BRICS Policies
US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning nations aligning themselves with BRICS in ways that contradict American interests could soon face an added 10% tariff.
“Any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy,” Trump wrote on social media.
Trump has maintained a longstanding opposition to BRICS, a geopolitical bloc that includes major players such as China, Russia, and India.
While the US had initially provided a deadline of July 9 for countries to finalize trade deals, officials now say duties will be enforced starting August 1. Trump stated he would notify countries in writing of the new rates should no agreements be reached before the deadline.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking on Monday, suggested that the final days before the cut-off would be packed with negotiations.
“We’ve had a lot of people change their tune in terms of negotiations. So my mailbox was full last night with a lot of new offers, a lot of new proposals,” he said.
To date, the US has completed formal trade deals with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, and reached a partial agreement with China.
Still, ongoing talks between the US and the UK have yet to resolve disputes over American tariffs on British steel.
Since returning to the presidency in 2025, Trump has introduced multiple waves of import duties, arguing these measures will revitalize domestic manufacturing and safeguard employment.
Back in April, during what he dubbed “Liberation Day”, Trump revealed a series of aggressive tariff hikes, some as high as 50% targeting a wide range of foreign products. However, he quickly paused the most severe measures to allow three months for dialogue, with July 9 as the final date for compromise.
In the meantime, most imports into the US have been subject to a flat 10% charge.
Talks between the US and the European Union remain active, with EU officials pushing to extend the temporary 10% rate beyond the July deadline.
Other discussions are underway aimed at lowering a 25% duty on European automotive goods and a 50% surcharge on metal products entering the US market.
A spokesperson noted that President Trump and the head of the European Commission had a “good exchange” during recent talks. It comes weeks after Trump warned that failure to reach an accord could lead to a 50% levy on EU exports.
Just last week, the President also indicated that Japan may be hit with a 30% to 35% tariff if no trade pact is sealed by the upcoming Wednesday deadline.
When asked if tariff changes would happen on July 9 or August 1, Trump said: “They’re going to be tariffs, the tariffs are going to be tariffs.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick later clarified that the measures would begin taking effect on the first day of August.
Trump further announced that between 10 and 15 official notifications would be sent out Monday, informing nations of the potential new tariff rates in the absence of finalized deals.
Bessent described the letters as “just ‘thank you for wanting to trade with the United States of America. We welcome you as a trading partner, and here’s the rate, unless you want to come back and try to negotiate’.”
In 2023, BRICS welcomed new members expanding its circle beyond Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to now include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.
Together, these nations account for over half of the global population and were originally brought together to challenge Western dominance in global affairs, including economic and financial systems.
Last year, Trump had threatened tariffs of up to 100% on BRICS states if they moved forward with launching a new joint currency intended to compete with the US dollar.
Trump’s most recent warning came after BRICS finance ministers publicly condemned US tariffs and proposed overhauls to international institutions such as the IMF, while raising concerns about how currencies are valued worldwide.
Following a summit in Rio de Janeiro, the finance ministers released a joint statement accusing protectionist tariffs of destabilizing global markets and creating “uncertainty into international economic and trade activities”.
Andrew Wilson, a senior trade official from a global business chamber, noted the difficulty many countries would face in cutting economic ties with China.
He said: “Shifting away from China…in a number of sectors is far more difficult to achieve in the world in practice.
“You look at the dominance China has in a number of sectors – EVs, batteries [and] particularly rare earths and magnets, there are no viable alternatives to China production.”
Summary of U.S. Trade Deals as of July 7:
United Kingdom: US agreed to slash duties on UK car imports from 27.5% to 10%, covering up to 100,000 vehicles annually. Tariffs on aerospace parts were also removed. In return, the UK scrapped duties on US ethanol and beef.
Vietnam: Goods sent from Vietnam to the US will face a 20% import tax. American products entering Vietnam will be exempt from tariffs. However, items routed through Vietnam from third countries and sold in the US will be taxed at 40%.
China (Partial Deal): Import taxes on select Chinese goods were cut from 145% to 30%, while Chinese duties on American items dropped from 125% to 10%. China also lifted several non-tariff measures, including export restrictions on key minerals.
Jessie J Reveals Cancer Tests Show No Further Spread
Pop artist Jessie J has shared uplifting news following her breast cancer surgery, revealing that post-operative test results have confirmed the disease has not spread.
In a heartfelt message shared online, the singer said she was crying “happy tears” after learning the outcome.
Back in June, Jessie publicly disclosed her cancer diagnosis and shortly afterward underwent surgery to remove one of her breasts.
She expressed deep appreciation to her fans, saying she was overwhelmed by the “prayers, the love, the well wishes, the joy and all the positive energy” sent her way by her 14 million followers.
The 37-year-old artist has been candid about her journey through a mastectomy and has received widespread encouragement from fans and fellow celebrities for her openness.
Earlier this week, she posted a touching video taken just before her surgery, featuring her young son’s voice saying: “Mummy’s gonna be OK.”
“And… I am OK” she wrote, explaining that test results confirmed there was no sign of the cancer spreading.
Known for chart-topping tracks like Nobody’s Perfect and Who You Are, Jessie J has sold millions of records worldwide and is currently preparing for the release of a new album, her first in several years.
Her 2011 hit Price Tag has recently gained renewed attention, going viral as social media users shared videos inspired by its lyrics.
The post sharing her test results was quickly met with a flood of supportive messages, including notes from well-known figures like TV presenter Rochelle Humes. Singer Paloma Faith also chimed in to offer her congratulations.
Many women who have experienced breast cancer themselves responded with messages of solidarity and encouragement. Breast cancer remains one of the most common diagnoses in women, with over 56,000 cases reported annually, according to health statistics.
Jessie acknowledged that while the news is positive, her recovery journey isn’t over. She noted she has “lots of healing to go” and is preparing for reconstructive surgery to “make these cousins look more like sisters”.
She ended the post on a playful note, writing that she’s temporarily adopting the nickname “The LopJess monster”.
Healthcare guidance encourages women to monitor their breast health and consult a doctor if they notice:
Any lumps or swelling in the chest, underarm, or breast
Changes to the shape or appearance of their breast or nipple
Persistent pain in the breast or armpit
There are also resources and medical support available for men who may be concerned about breast cancer symptoms.
NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Smuggled In Lipsticks And Documents
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks with the interception of cocaine consignments cleverly concealed in female lipsticks and property title documents destined for the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.
The seizures, announced on Sunday, July 6, 2025, highlight the agency’s ongoing efforts to curb the smuggling of illicit drugs from Nigeria.
According to a statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, operatives from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) uncovered the consignments on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at a courier company in Lagos.
A total of 420 grams of cocaine was found factory-fitted into 84 pieces of female lipsticks bound for the UK, while an additional 280 grams was hidden inside a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) intended for shipment to Saudi Arabia.
The sophisticated concealment methods underscore the lengths to which traffickers go to evade detection.
In a separate operation, the NDLEA dismantled a major drug trafficking network in Lagos, culminating in the arrest of notorious drug kingpin Ajetsibo Emami, alias “Warri Kinsman,” on June 28, 2025.
Following a three-day intelligence-led operation, Emami and three associates were apprehended in Ikeja, with authorities seizing 24 jumbo bags containing 681 pouches of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis weighing 414.2 kilograms.
The bust followed credible intelligence about Emami’s plans to distribute the shipment from Lekki across Lagos and beyond.
Further operations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos revealed additional illicit activities.
On July 2, NDLEA operatives intercepted Aburemi Hysent, a frequent flyer specializing in transporting goods between Nigeria and Italy. Hysent was caught with 7,660 tramadol pills (225mg and 200mg) concealed in food items, confessing he was promised €800 for successful delivery in Italy.
On July 4, authorities seized 52 suspected counterfeit travelers’ cheques worth AU$17.7 million, hidden in children’s books and bound for Malaysia via Istanbul on a Turkish Airlines flight.
The freight agent, Bolarinwa Saheed, was arrested and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
The NDLEA’s nationwide crackdown extended beyond Lagos. At the Seme border in Badagry, operatives recovered 718 large balls of skunk weighing 359 kilograms from a store in the Baba-Pupa area on July 5.
In Osun State, a raid on a 9.67-hectare cannabis farm in the Oke-Ila forest destroyed 24,175 kilograms of skunk, with seven suspects arrested.
Additional seizures included 167 kilograms of skunk in Borno, 452 kilograms in Kano, and various quantities of tramadol and diazepam in Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Taraba.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the operatives for their vigilance and balanced approach to drug supply and demand reduction.
“These seizures and arrests reflect the commitment of our officers across multiple commands,” Marwa said, urging sustained efforts to disrupt trafficking networks.
The operations also uncovered a family-run drug syndicate in Lagos, involving businessman Ajah Johnson Uchenna, his wife Rosemary, their daughters Stella and Ngozi, and a family friend, Okoro Elijah.
The family was linked to 508.5 kilograms of skunk seized in two raids, following their initial arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS) on June 13.
These successes come amid the NDLEA’s broader War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, which includes public sensitization campaigns in Lagos, Enugu, Katsina, and Borno to reduce drug demand.
As investigations continue, the NDLEA’s actions send a strong message to traffickers: Nigeria’s borders and airports remain under intense scrutiny, with no room for illicit activities to go undetected.
What Elon Musk’s “America Party” Is All About Amid Rift With Trump?
For centuries, the United States political landscape has been dominated by two major parties: the Democrats and the Republicans. While smaller parties like the Libertarians and the Greens have made attempts to disrupt the duopoly, they’ve struggled to gain lasting traction on the national stage.
The Republican Party, currently in control of the executive branch under President Donald Trump, has recently seen internal tension as figures like Elon Musk challenge its direction and priorities.
What Is Elon Musk’s America Party About?
Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur and former government official, announced the formation of a new political force, the America Party. His aim, as he described in a public post, is to “give you back your freedom.” The announcement comes just days after President Trump signed a controversial tax-and-spending bill into law, one Musk claims will drive the country toward bankruptcy.
With the slogan of restoring individual liberties and reducing what he calls “government waste,” the America Party appears to be anchored in fiscal conservatism, innovation-driven policy, and a sharp rejection of traditional political structures. It’s a populist push, but from the perspective of someone deeply embedded in both technological progress and capital markets.
Who Is Musk Bringing Into The America Party?
While Musk hasn’t released a full roster of names backing the party, early indicators suggest he is rallying a blend of private-sector elites, technocrats, and former government reformers. His call for a new movement was supported by a strong response on his platform, X, where followers voted 2 to 1 in favor of creating a third party.
Several former allies from his time heading the Department of Government Efficiency may join the effort, alongside investors, tech innovators, and policy critics opposed to heavy federal spending. However, his announcement has already raised alarm among investors, with some requesting clarification on how his political ambitions may impact his leadership roles in his companies.
What Are Musk’s Chances With The America Party?
Musk’s entry into politics beyond advisory and funding roles is unprecedented and risky. On one hand, he commands massive influence through his companies, social media reach, and personal wealth. His ability to self-finance a political movement gives him advantages many other independent challengers lack.
However, the road to building a competitive political party in the U.S. is steep. Structural barriers, like ballot access laws, donor networks tied to the two major parties, and the winner-takes-all voting system, make it difficult for third parties to succeed at the national level. Moreover, Musk’s friction with Trump could fracture the conservative base, potentially weakening the Republican grip on upcoming congressional elections.
Still, with a growing number of Americans expressing disillusionment with traditional party politics, Musk’s America Party may find momentum among voters craving disruption. Time will tell if it gains real traction or simply makes a splash before fading out.
Three Key Olubadan of Ibadan Who Died Early During Their Reign
Ibadan was thrown into mourning on July 7, 2025, following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, at the age of 90. His death came just five days before the first anniversary of his official coronation on July 12, 2024.
Though his reign was short-lived, Oba Olakulehin left a mark as a respected elder, seasoned traditionalist, and a figure of unity among the Ibadan people. His demise draws attention not only for its timing but for echoing a historical pattern, three Olubadans in recent history have ascended the throne only to pass away within a short time.
How the Olubadan Is Chosen
The process of selecting the Olubadan is one of the most unique and well-structured traditional successions in Nigeria. It is governed not by hereditary primogeniture, but by a clearly defined and rotational system of seniority among two chieftaincy lines:
- Egbe Agba (Civil line)
- Balogun (Military line)
Each line has 23 and 22 chieftaincy ranks, respectively. Ascension to the throne follows a sequential promotion through these ranks. When a reigning Olubadan passes away, the most senior chief from either line becomes the next Olubadan. The two lines alternate based on which one produced the last monarch.
This system is celebrated for reducing conflict over succession, as the next Olubadan is usually already known well in advance. However, it also often results in elderly monarchs ascending the throne, leading to shorter reigns due to age-related health challenges.
Three Olubadans Who Died Early
a) Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun – 42nd Olubadan
Oba Balogun was installed as the 42nd Olubadan on March 11, 2022, following the death of Oba Saliu Adetunji. His reign lasted two years and three days, ending with his death on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81. Before becoming Olubadan, Oba Balogun was a prominent politician, serving as a Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District between 1999 and 2003.
Despite the brevity of his reign, he was admired for his scholarly background and firm grasp of Ibadan traditional politics. He was known for promoting unity among the Ibadan Obas-in-Council and for championing infrastructural development in the city.
b) Oba Owolabi Olakulehin – 43rd Olubadan
Born in 1935, Oba Olakulehin had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army and was a prominent figure in Ibadan chieftaincy affairs for over four decades. He was installed as Olubadan on July 12, 2024, but passed away on July 7, 2025, just shy of one full year on the throne. His reign was notable for preserving the peaceful succession tradition of the city, and he maintained cordial relations with both traditional authorities and the Oyo State Government.
Oba Olakulehin’s brief time as Olubadan reignited public conversation about the age of incoming monarchs and the sustainability of the current succession structure.
c) Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike – 36th Olubadan
Oba Asanike, a well-loved and energetic monarch, was installed as the 36th Olubadan in 1983. His reign was promising but tragically brief, he passed away in 1984, serving for only about one year. He was deeply respected for his charismatic leadership and vision for Ibadan’s cultural revival.
Asanike’s untimely death stunned the city and sparked public calls for possible modifications in the chieftaincy promotion system to allow younger successors who could serve longer terms.
What It Means for Ibadan
The pattern of elderly Olubadans ascending the throne and ruling briefly brings both cultural and structural implications for Ibadan:
Traditional Stability: The strength of the Ibadan succession system lies in its clarity and absence of major succession disputes. However, frequent transitions can interrupt long-term development agendas or ceremonial continuity.
Age Factor: With most Olubadans ascending in their 80s or even 90s, health concerns often limit their reigns. This has prompted discussions on possibly modernizing the succession structure to accommodate more youthful leadership while respecting tradition.
Cultural Continuity vs. Reform: While many cherish the slow, seniority-based ascension for its orderliness, others argue it’s time to revisit the model to ensure younger, more agile leadership emerges without breaking historical precedent.
The Likely House the Stool Is Going To
Given that Oba Owolabi Olakulehin came from the Balogun line, tradition dictates that the next Olubadan will emerge from the Egbe Agba (Civil) line.
As of July 2025, the most senior chief in that line is High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan and former Governor of Oyo State. Ladoja, aged 79, has served in the chieftaincy line for decades and is widely regarded as the next in line. His potential ascension would continue the tradition of peaceful and undisputed successions that Ibadan has maintained for over a century.
However, the final decision rests with the Olubadan-in-Council, which will make an official declaration, after which the Oyo State Government will issue a formal letter of approval and present the staff of office.
Legacy & Reflection
The repeated pattern of early demise among Olubadans presents an opportunity for Ibadan’s cultural stakeholders to reflect on the balance between tradition and modern reality. While the current succession system guarantees order and respect for seniority, it also raises questions about sustainability, longevity, and leadership impact.
As the city prepares for yet another coronation in a short span, voices within and outside the traditional institution may push for inclusive discussions about succession reform, whether by adjusting the age at which promotions occur or creating avenues for earlier leadership opportunities without compromising the dignity of tradition.
For now, Ibadan prepares to bid farewell to another revered monarch and welcome the next, hoping, this time, for a longer and more impactful reign.
Catastrophic Flooding In Texas Leaves 80 Dead
What began as a regular holiday weekend turned into a nightmare for residents and campers in central Texas. On Thursday night, July 3, torrential rains began to fall across the Guadalupe River region in Kerr County. By early Friday morning, what should have been a peaceful riverside experience was shattered by the sudden and violent rise of the Guadalupe River.
Within just 45 minutes, the water surged from three feet to nearly 30 feet near Comfort, Texas. That morning, entire communities, summer camps, and families found themselves trapped or swept away by floodwaters that gave little warning.
The region, known for its natural beauty and dotted with youth camps like Camp Mystic and Camp La Junta, has a long history of flash floods. Experts had already classified it as one of the most dangerous areas in the United States for this type of disaster due to its terrain and the river’s limestone bed, which prevents proper water absorption. Yet despite this history, there was no comprehensive flood warning system in place. The flood followed a severe drought, creating conditions that worsened the intensity and speed of the disaster.
Number of Casualties
As of Sunday evening, the death toll from the flood had risen to over 80, including at least 28 children. In Kerr County alone, 68 people were confirmed dead. Authorities have stated that more than 40 individuals remain missing, many of them campers and staff at Camp Mystic. This includes young girls and counselors who were spending their summer at the riverside camp when the waters overwhelmed the area. Search efforts are still ongoing, with more bodies being recovered daily.
Rescue teams are working around the clock to find the missing. Camp Mystic, in particular, remains at the heart of this tragedy, with children still unaccounted for days after the flooding began.
Reactions from the Survivors
For many who survived, the escape was nothing short of miraculous. People clung to trees, floated on mattresses, and climbed into attics as the water filled their homes and camps. Nine-year-old campers were forced to wade through darkness and fast-moving waters in a desperate bid to survive. Some floated out of windows. Others found themselves trapped on rooftops, praying for help.
Ricky Gonzalez and his friends, staying in a rented Airbnb, inflated floaties and air mattresses and prepared to escape through the attic as the water climbed to the second story. Gonzalez, who couldn’t swim, made a last FaceTime call to his sister, fearing it could be his final goodbye.
At Camp La Junta, children woke up to screaming and lightning, not understanding what was happening as the cabins filled with water. “We didn’t know what was going on around us,” said one camper. “It was dark and we couldn’t see past the trees. All we knew was we had to keep things from getting wet.”
Some survivors had narrow escapes. Maria and Felipe Tapia’s house filled with water in just 10 minutes. They swam out and sought higher ground with a neighbor. “We got out just in time,” Felipe said. “I felt like I was swimming under a river.”
In a separate incident, a woman clung to a tree for over 30 minutes before she was rescued by a swift water team. Carl Jeter, a local resident, heard her screams and refused to leave her alone. “It’s a true miracle,” he said. “That’s not something you survive.”
What the American Government Is Doing About It
In response to the devastation, President Donald Trump declared a major disaster in Kerr County. This federal action unlocks funding through FEMA for emergency shelter, home repairs, and recovery efforts. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the state disaster declaration to cover surrounding counties and deployed more than 500 emergency personnel to aid in search and rescue missions.
Resources include 14 helicopters, 12 drones, over 150 vehicles, 37 rescue boats, and multiple search teams. As of now, over 850 people have been rescued across the flood zones. The Texas Game Wardens alone airlifted more than 300 people from trees and rooftops.
Despite these efforts, communication remains a challenge. Power outages and limited cell service have slowed coordination and made it harder for families to locate loved ones.
Governor Abbott also declared a statewide day of prayer for the victims and families affected by the disaster. As search teams continue to comb through wreckage, Texas and the nation remain united in grief and determination to find every missing person.
This catastrophic flooding has torn through the heart of Texas, leaving destruction, sorrow, and unanswered questions in its wake. For survivors, the memories will last a lifetime. For many families, the wait continues as they cling to hope that their loved ones will be found. And for all of Texas, the call for stronger preparedness, better warning systems, and faster emergency response grows louder.
Enugu Air Launches Starts Operations on July 7
Enugu State celebrated a historic milestone today with the official launch of Enugu Air, a state-backed airline, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
The airline, a cornerstone of Governor Peter Mbah’s economic vision, aims to position Enugu as a regional aviation hub, following the successful model of Akwa Ibom’s Ibom Air.
Equipped with two Embraer E170 jets, Enugu Air commenced operations with flights connecting Enugu to Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, with plans to expand to additional domestic and regional destinations soon.
At the launch ceremony, Governor Mbah described Enugu Air as a transformative project for the state’s economy.
“This airline is more than just flights; it’s about creating jobs, boosting tourism, and making Enugu a gateway to the southeast,” he stated.
The initiative is expected to generate hundreds of jobs, including roles for pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff, with a focus on employing Enugu indigenes trained through state-sponsored programs. The airline has partnered with local and international aviation experts to ensure high safety and service standards.
Enugu Air’s debut comes amid challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, including rising fuel costs and limited fleet capacity. By focusing on regional routes, the airline aims to ease pressure on major hubs like Lagos and Abuja while offering competitive fares.
The state’s investment in upgrading Akanu Ibiam International Airport supports this ambition, enhancing its capacity to handle increased traffic.
Local residents are enthusiastic about the launch. “Enugu Air will make travel easier and put our state on the map,” said Chidi Eze, a local entrepreneur.
However, analysts caution that the airline must navigate operational and regulatory challenges to succeed. Enugu Air’s management is confident, emphasizing efficiency and plans for partnerships with international carriers to enable seamless connections.
As Enugu Air takes flight, it carries the potential to reshape Nigeria’s aviation landscape and inspire other states to invest in similar ventures, cementing Enugu’s role as a commercial and cultural hub in the southeast.
Multichoice Nigeria Fined N766.2M For Data Privacy Violations
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a hefty fine of N766,242,500 on Multichoice Nigeria, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
As Nigeria’s official data protection authority, the NDPC is a public body that processes personal data in line with its legal mandate, relying on lawful bases such as consent, legal obligation, and contractual necessity.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Commission’s Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations, Mr. Babatunde Bamigboye.
Bamigboye stated that the penalty followed an investigation initiated in the second quarter of 2024 over alleged breaches of subscribers’ privacy rights and the unlawful international transfer of Nigerians’ personal data.
“NDPC found, among other things, that MultiChoice violated the data privacy rights of its subscribers and individuals associated with them who are not necessarily subscribers.
“The commission also discovered that MultiChoice engaged in the illegal cross-border transfer of personal data belonging to Nigerian data subjects.
“The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate.
“This is a grave affront to the fundamental right to privacy as enshrined in section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Bamigboye said.
He stated that Nigeria has the right to safeguard its citizens and uphold data sovereignty under both international and domestic laws, given their significant impact on the rule of law, national security, and economic development.
Bamigboye further explained that during the investigation, following the NDPA’s standard remediation process, the commission instructed MultiChoice to implement suitable corrective actions.
“However, the commission found the measures undertaken by Multichoice in this regard unsatisfactory.
“For want of cooperation, the commission has directed Multichoice to pay N766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” he added.
The NDPC’s National Commissioner, Vincent Olatunji, was also cited as ordering a thorough investigation of all platforms through which MultiChoice gathers personal data of Nigerian citizens for potential non-compliance.
He emphasized that any entity handling personal data in breach of the NDPA is subject to penalties under the law.
As Nigeria’s Data Protection Authority, the NDPC operates as a public institution that processes data in line with its mandate, relying on established lawful grounds such as consent, legal obligation, and contractual necessity.
FG Expresses Concern Over Carter Bridge’s Condition
The Federal Government is currently exploring rehabilitation options for the deteriorating Carter Bridge in Lagos, following growing concerns about several engineering defects.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, revealed this after conducting an on-site inspection of the bridge in Lagos alongside engineers from his ministry.
The bridge functions as a critical connection between Lagos Island and the Mainland.
Expressing alarm at the condition of the carriageway, the minister described the bridge as hazardous and in dire need of immediate intervention.
He said the Federal Government is considering a proposal to either replace the bridge with a cable-stayed design—estimated at N320 billion and regarded as more durable and cost-efficient—or undertake full-scale repairs projected to cost N380 billion.
Umahi noted that while Julius Berger had completed 80 percent of the repairs above water, further assessments uncovered extensive damage below the surface, including corroded support piles and dislodged caps, which have significantly weakened the bridge—similar to the issues that prompted restrictions on truck traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge.
He also revealed that only two companies have submitted bids for the ongoing bridge rehabilitation efforts in Lagos: BuildWell for the Third Mainland Bridge and Julius Berger for the Carter Bridge.
The minister stated that the government is currently assessing both proposals and will present its recommendations to the President for final approval.
He explained that the ministry is closely reviewing Julius Berger’s submission and will forward its conclusions to President Bola Tinubu once the evaluation is complete.
Emphasising that similar structural issues were identified during assessments in 2012 and 2019, the minister argued that constructing a new bridge could provide a lifespan of over 100 years while costing less than the proposed repair works.
He also praised the new management of Julius Berger for its collaborative approach in addressing project challenges, noting that this has significantly improved the ministry’s working relationship with the company.
“The collaborative approach of Julius Berger’s new management is commendable, and it is important for all stakeholders to be aligned on any project. This is kudos to the managing director, who has proven to be a humble professional, eager to build fresh relationships with fellow stakeholders,” Umahi said.
The minister commended Julius Berger’s new leadership for fostering a spirit of collaboration, adding that, “Julius Berger quoted for the project, I think, N27 billion or thereabout, but after much negotiation and discussion, we now arrived at N17 billion.”
Umahi referred to the company as a “born-again Berger,” crediting the progress in negotiations to the transparency and willingness of its new managing director.
Recognising the severity of the underwater damage to the Carter Bridge, the company’s Regional Technical Manager for Region West, Thomas Christl, stated that work began on the bridge in 2024.
He noted that initial efforts focused on repairing handrails and pile caps above the waterline, but the existing contract does not include the complete restoration required.
“After our investigations, we suggested that a full replacement might be better. A new bridge will last up to 100 years, and international investors are ready to help finance it,” Christl added.
