Category: News

In a further sign of a growing rift between President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor was conspicuously absent on Thursday during the official flag-off of the reconstruction of the deep seaport access road in the Epe-Ijebu Ode area of Lagos State. Although a seat was clearly reserved for the governor, he did not attend the high-profile event. Instead, his deputy, Dr. Femi Hamzat, represented the state and was the one addressed directly by President Tinubu during his remarks. The president used the occasion to caution state governors against granting planning approvals for unauthorised islands and developments that encroach on designated road setbacks and maritime zones. “Please, our dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaborating with the surveyor-general of the federation and the ministry of works on these roads,” Tinubu said. “I’m glad the deputy governor of Lagos State is here. Take it that we will revoke all those approvals given on setbacks, and please note that we are very serious about it. No more approvals for those unapproved islands being created illegally.” The Lagos State Government has yet to release an official reason for Sanwo-Olu’s absence, but the event comes amid increasing speculation of a political rift between the governor and the president. Just days earlier, during the commissioning of the completed Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, President Tinubu appeared to snub Governor Sanwo-Olu. As he greeted dignitaries, Tinubu skipped over Sanwo-Olu and extended a handshake directly to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, who was next in line. Observers believe the tension may be linked to the February impeachment of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa—an ally of President Tinubu—by lawmakers allegedly aligned with Sanwo-Olu. The speaker was reinstated 49 days later, reportedly following Tinubu’s intervention. The unfolding events suggest a possible breakdown in the long-standing political alliance between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu, raising questions about the governor’s political future and the internal unity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos. Analysts warn that continued public snubs and behind-the-scenes power struggles could have significant implications for governance and the party’s cohesion in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

In a stunning political twist, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement, made Wednesday morning, sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape. Governor Eno, who rose to power under the PDP, said his decision followed “a series of consultations” and was rooted in a desire for “progressive alignment” with President Bola Tinubu’s administration at the federal level. “I am deeply grateful to the PDP for the platform and support, but it is time to take a bold step forward. Akwa Ibom must not be left out of the benefits of full national integration,” the governor stated. Despite the dramatic party switch, Eno promised that his commitment to the people of Akwa Ibom remains unwavering, emphasizing that development would continue across all sectors—“regardless of party lines.” This move, however, is likely to reshape political alliances in the South-South and ignite fierce reactions within the PDP’s national structure.

In a bold move to position Nigeria on the global electric vehicle (EV) map, the federal government has selected 12 universities—two from each geopolitical zone—to design and manufacture 100% made-in-Nigeria electric vehicles. The project is part of President Bola Tinubu’s First Nigeria policy, with financing support from the Bank of Industry and other key financial institutions. Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, made this announcement in Uyo during a stakeholder engagement session with the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) and the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA). He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to EV development and local component production as a pathway to industrial self-reliance. According to Osanipin, these universities are already working on a prototype dubbed the “University Shuttle Bus”—a fully electric vehicle designed and manufactured domestically. “Most parts will be sourced locally,” he said, noting that 10 of the universities already have EV charging stations built in anticipation of the rollout. The project aims not only to reduce import dependency but also to jumpstart a local auto-parts industry with comparative advantages in areas like plastic production and petroleum by-products. “Even global carmakers don’t build all components in-house,” Osanipin explained. “What matters is building a reliable after-sales ecosystem and parts supply chain.” He highlighted the economic opportunity in servicing Nigeria’s 18 million vehicles on the road today, compared to the 500,000 produced annually. “We’re building infrastructure and parts for the future—gradually but deliberately,” he added.