The Reporters NG

07/06/2026

SANWO-OLU, OYEDELE, OTHERS TO SPEAK AT ‘INVEST LAGOS SUMMIT 3.0’

Another bold attempt to attract more investments in Lagos will be made on Monday.

The Invest in Lagos Summit 3.0 will run from June 8-9 at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island.

An impressive line-up of speakers has been announced by the organizers- Lagos State Government and Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). They include Governor of Lagos State Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Mr.Taiwo Oyedele, Co-Chair, Lagos Finance & Investment Council (LFIC) Aig Imoukhuede, as well as the Chief Executive Officer, Moniepoint Group, Tosin Eniolorunda.
It is the third edition of the Summit.

The theme is: “Lagos: Business Gateway to Africa”. The summit will feature a lineup of sessions focused on Lagos as Africa’s Global Gateway, the Future of Technology and Innovation, Unlocking Investment, Building the Cities of the Future, Global Partnerships for Growth, Talent, Creativity and Culture, and Energy and Sustainability.

The summit is designed to position Lagos as Africa’s premier destination for investment, trade, innovation, infrastructure development, and economic partnerships.

The two-day summit, themed around unlocking investment opportunities and accelerating sustainable economic growth, will bring together high-level participants from across the public and private sectors to explore opportunities in technology, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, finance, creative industries, and urban development.

Speaking ahead of the summit, the Head of the Media Subcommittee and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Gbenga Omotoso, explained that the summit has been carefully structured to move beyond conversations and focus on actionable outcomes that can stimulate investment inflows into Lagos State.

Omotoso said the summit will provide a platform to showcase the state’s investments in transportation, technology, energy, manufacturing, tourism, and urban development, while also highlighting opportunities for local and international investors.

“Invest Lagos 3.0 is more than a conference; it is a strategic platform designed to connect investors with opportunities, facilitate meaningful partnerships, and showcase Lagos as Africa’s most attractive investment destination. Through this summit, we are bringing together government leaders, global investors, development institutions, and business executives to explore opportunities that will unlock growth, create jobs, and accelerate economic development across Lagos and Nigeria,” he said.

The summit will also feature investment pitches by governors, exhibitions by participating organisations, networking opportunities, a gala dinner, and site visits to major infrastructure and industrial projects, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Lagos Free Zone, Lagos Port, and RusselSmith’s advanced manufacturing facility.

06/06/2026

05/06/2026

LAGOS DEEPENS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN PHYSICAL PLANNING WITH e-PPPS, RECORDS MAJOR SECTORAL GAINS

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a resilient, sustainable and globally competitive megacity with the launch of the Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System (e-PPPS), a landmark reform designed to modernise planning permit administration across the State.

The Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, made this known during the 2026 Annual Ministerial Press Briefing organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, as part of activities marking the third year of the second term of the administration of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

Dr. Olumide stated that the newly launched e-PPPS platform, deployed by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, represents a major leap in the State’s drive towards digital governance. According to him, the platform enables residents and developers to process planning permit applications online from any location, thereby enhancing transparency, efficiency, accessibility and ease of doing business.

He noted that the digital system has already begun to yield measurable results, as LASPPPA recorded 14,549 submissions and 11,701 approvals between June and December 2025, while 7,054 submissions and 5,578 approvals were processed between January and March 2026. The Commissioner added that the Sixty-Day Amnesty Programme further boosted compliance, generating 7,198 applications and 4,113 approvals within the period.

Describing the achievements of the Ministry within the last year as significant, Dr. Olumide highlighted sustained progress in physical development planning, including the completion of the Lagos Island Model City Plan, Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan and the Revised Badagry Master Plan. He explained that these frameworks are critical to ensuring orderly urban growth, efficient land use and coordinated infrastructure development in line with the Lagos State Development Plan (2022–2052).

The Commissioner also disclosed that the Ministry intensified monitoring and enforcement activities, with 205 estates inspected for compliance with approved layout plans, alongside the publication of 176 illegal estates to protect the public from unapproved developments. He added that enforcement operations have been strengthened to curb infractions and promote a more organised built environment.

On dispute resolution, Dr. Olumide revealed that the Ministry successfully handled 987 public petitions through its Technical Services Department, achieving a resolution rate of nearly 48 per cent. He noted that this has reduced litigation, strengthened public confidence and improved regulatory compliance.

Speaking further, the Commissioner emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and participatory planning, noting that sustained advocacy, sensitisation programmes and strategic partnerships have enhanced public awareness and collaboration in physical planning processes.

He also highlighted key initiatives such as the Setback, Common Areas and Roadside Administration and Monitoring Project (SCRAMP), which has identified over 3,700 hectares of underutilised spaces across more than 1,700 locations for proper documentation and optimal use.

In addition, the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA) has continued to transform informal urban spaces through innovative interventions, including the Lagos Green Kiosk initiative and the introduction of eco-friendly technologies aimed at improving urban aesthetics and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Olumide further noted that the reconstitution of the Lagos State Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability and dispute resolution within the sector.

He reiterated that all achievements recorded were made possible through the visionary leadership and unwavering support of Governor Sanwo-Olu, whose THEMES+ Agenda continues to drive Lagos towards becoming a 21st-century economy.

The Commissioner assured residents that the Ministry will continue to leverage technology, data-driven planning and stakeholder collaboration to deliver efficient, inclusive and sustainable urban development across Lagos State.

05/06/2026

UK Delegation Strengthens Maritime Ties with NPA

The Deputy British High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, and the United Kingdom National Hydrographer, Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh, alongside officials of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director, Dr. . They were received by the MD NPA and...

05/06/2026

Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) Dockworkers’ Day 2026

In a keynote address on SCAN Dockworkers’ Day, the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Dr. Gboyega Oyetola, who was represented by MD/CEO NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho described dockworkers as the indispensable backbone of the maritime value chain and global trade. He praised SCAN for instituting the ...

05/06/2026

Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) Dockworkers’ Day 2026.

In a keynote address on SCAN Dockworkers’ Day, the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Dr. , who was represented by MD/CEO NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho described dockworkers as the indispensable backbone of the maritime value chain and global trade.

He praised SCAN for instituting the commemoration and emphasized that without stevedores, longshoremen and loaders, international shipping and over 90% of world trade would grind to a halt.

The Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, committed to continuously improve the welfare and working conditions of our treasured dockworkers.

05/06/2026

UNITE AGAINST TERROR:

FG RALLIES CITIZENS, MEDIA, SECURITY AGENCIES IN UNITED FRONT AGAINST TERRORISM

The Federal Government has called on all Nigerians, the media, civil society organisations, and security agencies to strengthen collaboration in the fight against terrorism and other forms of violent extremism threatening national peace and security.

Speaking at a National Press Briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said defeating terrorism requires a united national response that transcends political, ethnic, religious, and regional differences.

“The Federal Government is rallying citizens, the media, and security agencies in a united front against terrorism because an attack against one Nigerian is an attack against all Nigerians. Terrorism has no tribe, no religion, and no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction," said Idris, noting that this is the basis for the national call to action, , which urges all Nigerians to stand together against violent extremism and criminality.

The Minister assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to securing the safe return of all abducted schoolchildren and teachers recently taken captive in separate attacks in Oyo and Borno States. “I wish to assure all Nigerians that the safe return of every child and every teacher currently in captivity remains a top national priority. The President has made it clear that no child belongs in captivity and that no effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice.”

He disclosed that security agencies, working under the direct instruction of the President, have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and coordinated rescue efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Highlighting recent security gains recorded across the country, the Minister noted that troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East have continued to neutralise terrorists, rescue civilians, and destroy terrorist infrastructure. He added that over 50 terrorists were recently eliminated in follow-up operations in Borno State, while dozens of high-value targets have been taken out through coordinated military actions.

He further stated that security operations across the North-West, North-Central, South-East, and South-South regions have led to the dismantling of criminal camps, disruption of kidnapping syndicates, and increased protection of critical national assets.

According to the Minister, Nigeria's counter-terrorism efforts are increasingly yielding results because of improved inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and stronger international partnerships. “What distinguishes our current approach is the combination of military pressure, intelligence-led operations, technology, regional cooperation, and community engagement. This comprehensive strategy is steadily degrading the operational capacity of terrorist and criminal groups,” he said.

The Minister also pointed to major judicial breakthroughs in the fight against terrorism, including the recent convictions secured against perpetrators of the June 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, where scores of worshippers lost their lives.

He noted that the Federal Government has also commenced one of the largest terrorism prosecution exercises in Nigeria's history, with hundreds of terrorism suspects currently undergoing trial under the country's counter-terrorism legal framework. “Justice is an essential pillar of national security. Beyond military operations, the government is ensuring that those involved in acts of terrorism face the full weight of the law. The ongoing terrorism trials and recent convictions send a clear message that impunity will not prevail,” the Minister said.

The Minister also appealed to the media to exercise professionalism and restraint in reporting terrorism-related incidents, noting that terrorists often seek publicity and psychological impact through their actions. “While the media must continue to report accurately and responsibly, we must be careful not to inadvertently amplify the objectives of terrorists. Responsible journalism can help deny them the publicity they seek while keeping citizens properly informed,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, support security agencies with credible information, and reject narratives designed to divide communities along ethnic, religious, or political lines.

The Minister reiterated that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and assured citizens that ongoing security operations would continue until terrorism and violent criminality are decisively defeated. “Nigeria has faced difficult moments before and emerged stronger. We shall overcome this challenge as well. United in purpose and unwavering in resolve, we will ensure that terrorism has no future in Nigeria,” he said.

He expressed confidence that with the continued support of citizens and stakeholders, Nigeria would overcome the threat of terrorism and build a safer, more secure future for all.

The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; the Inspector General Of Police, represented by Force PRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, mni, mnipr; Director, Defence Information, Gen. Samaila Uba; Special Adviser to the President, Media & Public Communications, Sunday Dare; Senior Special Assistant Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz; Senior Special Assistant to the President, Public Engagement, Mr Fredrick Nwabufo; Senior Special Assistant to the President Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman among other dignitaries.

Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.
Thursday, 4 June 2026

Photo: (L–R) National Public Relations Officer (NPRO), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada; Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama; Director of Legal Services, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Zakari Mijinyawa; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Chigbonwu Ukaire; the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr; Director of Defence Intelligence, Major General Samaila Uba; Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, mni, mnipr; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Mr. Tunde Rahman; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement, Mr. Fredrick Nwabufo, shortly after a press briefing by the Honourable Minister on pressing national issues, held on June 4, 2026, in Abuja. Photo: Khalid Ahmed/FMINO

05/06/2026

STATE POLICE CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK NEAR COMPLETION- PRESIDENCY

Significant progress has been made towards establishing state police, with a constitutional amendment expected soon, following months of consultations among the Executive, the National Assembly and security authorities.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing State House Correspondents after a consultative meeting on state police convened by the Presidency, held at the State House, Abuja.

Gbajabiamila said deliberations on the proposed state police framework began several months ago following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the process has gained considerable traction.

He explained that establishing state police requires careful consideration of constitutional and legal issues and cannot be implemented hastily.

"We started deliberations in the last three or four months on how to go about the establishment of state police as directed by Mr President.

"Establishing state police is not something that you do with the snap of the fingers. There is a lot involved in terms of constitution and legalities, and thank God we have now gained a lot of traction.

“Hopefully, the amendment will come shortly, and the details of the amendment will come after that," Gbajabiamila added.

According to him, discussions have now advanced to the point of considering the necessary constitutional amendments, with the enabling legislation to follow afterwards.

"Right now, what we are looking at is the constitutional amendment itself, and then the enabling law would follow thereafter. That is what we have been deliberating on in the last couple of hours," he added.

The Chief of Staff highlighted broad national support for the initiative, emphasising that the debate is no longer about whether state police should be establishedbut about creating the appropriate legal and institutional framework for its operation.

He said President Tinubu, who has consistently advocated for state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture, would receive a comprehensive report on the meeting's outcome.

The meeting is part of a series of consultations convened by the Federal Government to develop a workable framework for the establishment of state police, an initiative aimed at strengthening internal security, improving local intelligence gathering and enhancing the capacity of sub-national governments to address emerging security challenges across the country.

President Tinubu has maintained in the last few months that state police is a necessary response to Nigeria's evolving security challenges, advocating that a decentralised policing structure would strengthen grassroots security, enhance intelligence gathering and improve the protection of lives and property across the country.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi and the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, among other senior government officials.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
June 04, 2026

04/06/2026

LAGOS DEEPENS HUMAN CAPITAL DRIVE, TARGETS 10,000 RESIDENTS FOR SKILLS TRAINING

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has stated that his administration, through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, is set to train 10,000 residents in industry-relevant skills across technology, construction, fashion, health and business sectors.

Sanwo-Olu said this at the Omniverse Africa Summit 3.0, organised by Omniverse Africa and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), with the theme “Connected Future: Synergy for Impact,” held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Theatre), Iganmu, Lagos, on Tuesday.

The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, noted that the government is also investing in broadband access, digitising government services, establishing innovation clusters, and building the policy environment that makes entrepreneurship viable at scale.

According to him, “Our administration has pursued these efforts deliberately under the THEMES+ Development Agenda. We are investing in broadband access, digitising government services, establishing innovation clusters, and building the policy environment that makes entrepreneurship viable at scale. We are not simply aspiring to be Africa's technology hub; we are building the conditions that make that designation earned.”

The Governor described the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), as a key vehicle for achieving the state's employment and entrepreneurship objectives, noting that the agency was established to reduce unemployment by providing access to capital and skills development opportunities.

Reeling out the different initiatives put in place by the government, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that in 2025 alone, the LSETF disbursed ₦1.91 billion in affordable loans to more than 4,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), while grants worth over ₦23 million were provided to 65 businesses to support expansion and resilience.

He further disclosed that the Fund’s graduate internship programme facilitated paid employment opportunities for 2,500 young people, with monthly stipends provided to ease the financial burden associated with entering the workforce.

The Governor added that LSETF had also empowered 1,050 persons with disabilities through entrepreneurship training and the provision of start-up tools, stressing that inclusion remains a central pillar of the state’s economic development agenda.

“And through a renewed partnership with the United States African Development Foundation, LSETF is on course to train 10,000 Lagosians in industry-relevant skills across technology, construction, fashion, health, and business. These figures matter because they represent a model: that when the government intervenes deliberately, transparently, and with genuine accountability to outcomes, it changes lives at scale,” said the Governor.

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Gautier Mignot, affirmed its commitment of the Union to supporting Nigeria’s digital and creative economy, describing the country’s youthful population as both a tremendous asset and a pressing economic challenge.

“With a large population under the age of 40, Nigeria possesses remarkable vitality, innovation, and resourcefulness. However, the growing number of young people entering the labour market annually requires urgent and sustainable job creation strategies. Though the traditional sectors such as agriculture, industry, and extractive activities remain important, they alone may not sufficiently address this challenge, but the rapidly expanding digital and creative economy is a viable pathway for growth and employment,” he said.

The Ambassador noted that Nigeria’s youth, having grown up with digital technologies, are uniquely positioned to drive innovation and accelerate economic development, a trend mirrored across Africa.

Similarly, the Ambassador, Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Annett Günther, also emphasised its strong commitment to Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and economic transformation, describing the country as uniquely positioned to shape Africa’s connected and technology-driven future.

Günther noted that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and green innovation are transforming economies and societies, while creating unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.

“Countries across the world face shared challenges, including job creation for growing youth populations, climate change, economic resilience, and ensuring inclusive access to technological progress. As such, addressing these challenges requires collaboration, partnerships and interconnected systems, making platforms such as the Omniverse Summit increasingly significant,” said Günther.

In his welcome address, Omniverse Africa Co-Convener, Charles Emembolu stated that the summit reflects a shared belief that Africa’s future will be shaped by the collective strength of its human capital, not by isolated efforts, stressing that the continent’s greatest asset, is not found in its natural resources but in its people, the innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and creators drawn from across the continent and beyond.

He noted that while Africa is rich in talent, ambition and creativity, the continent continues to face a major challenge of access, particularly to capital, markets, networks and opportunities.

His words, “initiatives such as Omnivest Africa exist to bridge this gap by connecting people and institutions that are driving Africa’s transformation. Therefore, the future cannot be built by governments, institutions, or private actors working independently, but through deliberate collaboration among all stakeholders

04/06/2026

UK Delegation Strengthens Maritime Ties with NPA

The Deputy British High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, and the United Kingdom National Hydrographer, Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh, alongside officials of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director, Dr. . They were received by the MD NPA and the Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services, together with other senior management representatives.

The meeting focused on deepening the longstanding maritime partnership between Nigeria and the UK, particularly in hydrography, navigational safety, port development, and capacity building. The Managing Director showcased NPA’s ongoing modernisation drive — including major investments in port rehabilitation, channel improvements, and infrastructure upgrades — aimed at boosting operational efficiency and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional maritime trade.

The UK delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s hydrographic development through technical cooperation, nautical charting, implementation of S-100 standards, digitalisation, and professional training for NPA personnel.