General
Ambode To Construct More 288 Roads
By Dipo Olowookere
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has asked local council bosses in the state to submit to him more 288 roads in their localities for construction.
This is coming barely 48 hours after Mr Ambode commissioned 114 newly constructed roads across the state.
The Governor on Tuesday warned residents to resist the temptation to convert any of the newly constructed roads to venue for commercial purposes or parking lot for abandoned vehicles.
Speaking through his representatives at the various locations, Mr Ambode said that conversion of the roads to other uses other than for motorists would reduce its life span.
At the commissioning of Seriki Kemberi Road and Alhaji Rasak Street in Iba LCDA, the Governor was represented by Mr Oladele Adekanye, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos Chapter.
He lamented that some landlords in the state do not set aside space within their structures for parking, saying “rather, they ask their tenants to park on the road.
“Allowing heavy static load on the road will reduce the life span of the road. Good roads embellish the community. It would reduce flooding and residents would be able to live comfortably.”
Likewise, at the commissioning of Ojediran Shopitan and Taiwo Molajo streets both in Ikorodu West LCDA, Governor Ambode said illegal breaking of roads, usage as automobile workshop, as well as refuse dump, must stop henceforth on the new roads.
The Governor, who was represented by Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun at the commissioning of Ojediran Shopitan Street, noted that his government would not relent on its promise of an all inclusive government, boosting economic activities in the state, as well as guaranteeing safety of lives and properties of residents.
At Taiwo Molajo Street, member of the House of Assembly, Hon Abiodun Tobun who represented the Governor, urged residents to protect public utilities in their neighbourhood.
In Igando/Ikotun LCDA, the governor represented by Oba Onilado of Ilado, HRH Oba Mobadenle Oyekan, handed over newly constructed Osunba Street, near the Igando market in Alimosho area of the state.
Also commissioned in Igando/Ikotun LCDA by the Governor, represented by Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi of Igando, was Balogun Olanrewaju Road in Central Igando.
Sole Administrator of Igando/Ikotun LCDA, Mr Samuel Ajayi at the event, revealed that Governor Ambode had directed the 57 councils to submit 288 additional roads (four from each council) for construction consideration from 2017.
Mr Ajayi confirmed the receipt of a directive from Governor Ambode to submit four new roads for construction, a development he described as unprecedented in the history of Lagos.
At the commissioning of Apa Palace Road and Kweme Road both in Badagry West LCDA, Governor Ambode urged all stakeholders in the communities across the State to cultivate the habit of timely reportage of suspicious movement around them to security agencies to nip in the bud any potential security situation.
He said there was great need for community leaders to assist security agencies to address the menace of cultism, kidnapping, miscreants, vandalism and hoodlums by providing timely information.
Speaking through the Alapa of Apa Kingdom, HRM Oba Oyekan Adekanmi Ajose and a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry Constituency I, Mr Olanrewaju Layode, Governor Ambode said the 114 roads initiative was in fulfilment of the social pact which he signed with the people during the electioneering and his inaugural speech of running a system in which the “greatest good shall reach the greater majority of the people.”
In Eti-Osa Local Government Area, the Governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Sports, Mr Deji Tinubu, commissioned Ologolo Road, while Hon. Tajudeen Olusi did likewise at the Oba Elegushi Road, Ilasan.
Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Muslim Folami who represented Governor Ambode at the commissioning of Oribanwa to Lakowe Link Road in Ibeju Lekki Local Government said the 114 roads was a phenomenal achievement in the history of Lagos State.
At the handover of Iberekodo Road in Eleko, also in Ibeju Lekki, Governor Ambode who spoke through a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulkabir Aiyeola urged residents to ensure that the infrastructure stands the test of time.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun and Chairman, Health Service Commission, Dr. Bayo Adeniyi who both represented Governor Ambode at the commissioning of Thomas Street and Evans Street, both in Lagos Island East Local Government respectively said the roads more roads in the area would be given a facelift next year.
Governor Ambode also inaugurated Coker/Lafenwa Street and Ifoshi/Fadu Street in Ejigbo LCDA, and was represented by Professor Tunde Samuel, a former Special Adviser on Education and Kehinde Bamigbetan, his Special Adviser on Communities and Communication.
Similarly, the Governor also commissioned Balogun Street, Kuje and Dillion Street, both in Oriade LCDA and Omoalade Alafia and Oloruntoyin/Jebina Streets in Bariga Local Government, where he was represented by Alhaja Ali Ogundeji, Chairman, Ojo Community Development Council, Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi, member House of Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Abiru and Mr Sanya Ajayi respectively.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it recorded a 30 per cent reduction in gas imbalance on the country’s Western Network following the conclusion of its first-half 2026 Nigerian Gas Network Reconciliation (NGNR) Workshop.
The workshop brought together gas transporters, suppliers, shippers and off-takers to reconcile gas volumes traded between January and June 2026, while introducing a Network Entry/Exit Point Measurement Infrastructure Audit Template aimed at improving metering accuracy and accountability across the gas transmission network.
In a communiqué issued after the workshop, the authority said participants also reviewed the performance of the Nigerian Gas Transmission Network, assessed progress on major pipeline infrastructure projects, and received updates on the ELPS Gas Shrinkage Factor and Hydraulic Modelling Project.
Discussions focused on addressing metering gaps, improving network visibility through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) integration, and enhancing system reliability ahead of the commissioning of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Pipeline System.
The workshop adopted key resolutions, including the execution of outstanding Network Exit Agreements, mandatory submission of measurement audit templates and closer collaboration among industry stakeholders to improve network pressure management.
Speaking at the closing session on behalf of the authority’s chief executive, Mr Rabiu A. Umar, the Director of Transportation Systems and Networks, Mr Joseph G. Musa, said the biannual reconciliation exercise had become critical to promoting equitable gas transactions, transparency, investor confidence and efficient network operations.
Mr Musa noted that since the NGNR process was introduced in 2023, it had significantly improved gas measurement, strengthened regulatory compliance through consequence management, reduced operational imbalances and contributed to a more reliable domestic gas supply.
The workshop concluded with participants adopting the reconciled H1 2026 gas volumes, reaffirming the authority’s commitment to a transparent, efficient and reliable domestic gas market.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
An investment that supports growing food and agriculture companies across Africa that strengthen agricultural value chains has been made by Swedfund.
The organisation is putting down about $12 million to strengthen climate resilience in African food systems through the Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund II (ARAF II).
By improving access to markets, finance and essential services, these companies help smallholder farmers become more resilient to climate and economic shocks.
Over 30 million smallholder farmers operate across Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 80 per cent of all farms and producing 70 per cent of the region’s food (IFAD). Yet many face limited access to finance, quality inputs, reliable buyers and market information. At the same time, they are among those most exposed to climate change and weather-related shocks, which threaten harvests, incomes and food security.
The investment has an ambition to reach around four million smallholder farmers through ARAF II’s portfolio companies. It also aims to meet the criteria of the 2X Challenge, which promotes investments that support women’s economic empowerment.
ARAF II invests in businesses that address key gaps in agricultural value chains, from improving market access and reducing post-harvest losses to expanding financial and digital services for farmers. By helping these businesses grow, the investment aims to improve productivity, strengthen local value chains and increase the resilience of food systems.
Swedfund invests alongside other development finance institutions and investors to help mobilise long-term capital for businesses that often struggle to access financing despite their potential to strengthen food security, climate resilience and economic development across Africa.
“Climate change is already affecting the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers across Africa. Investing in businesses that improve access to markets, finance and agricultural services helps farmers strengthen their resilience, increase productivity and build more stable incomes. That is essential for more resilient food systems,” the Investment Director of Food Systems and Strategic Investments at Swedfund, Ms Helen Hagos, said.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to order a probe into the alleged diversion, disappearance and misapplication of more than N6.79 billion in public funds within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
The grave allegations are documented in the latest Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation published on September 9, 2025.
SERAP said, “Anyone suspected to be responsible—including contractors, companies and public officials implicated in the report—should be promptly prosecuted, while all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition should be fully recovered, secured and properly accounted for.”
In the letter dated August 1, 2026, and signed by SERAP deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The Auditor-General’s findings suggest a grave betrayal of the public trust and raise serious concerns about corruption and the management of public funds, police exhibits, firearms and ammunition.”
SERAP said: “The report also raises serious concerns over missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, creating significant risks to public safety and national security.”
According to the group, “The diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects, missing firearms and ammunition, and the misuse of police exhibits undermine the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force, weaken public confidence and may contribute to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.”
The letter, read in part: “The report documented numerous alleged financial irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, and irregular procurement.”
“The report also documented unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims, payments for services allegedly not rendered, and other suspected diversion and misapplication of public funds amounting to over ₦6.79 billion.”
“The allegations also include missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for recovered firearms and other exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and national security.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
Some of the others include: N499,875,500.00 for the construction of Police College Phase II, Bashar, Plateau State; N12,931,000.00 for the rehabilitation of Block B, Department of Logistics and Supply (Works) building, Garki; N111,635,864.64 for the construction of 12 one-bedroom transit camp units and rehabilitation of the administration block at the NPF Pre-retirement Skills Acquisition Centre, Kudana, Kaduna State; N4,011,627.89 inserted as taxes to inflate a contract; N1,938,299,452.00 for 14 ongoing projects that were abandoned; N5,050,000.00 in monetary exhibits released without proper authorisation; N112,026,424.00 for outstanding allowances paid to officers to cover 2020 liabilities; and N6,000,000.00 as annual payment to the Inspector General of Police’s Senior Special Assistant on Revenue and Tax Matters.
Others include N10,080,000.00 as cash advances for the provision of office equipment and accessories for the NPF Database Management Centre; N438,066,845.73 for the supply of bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets and procurement of a Styr Punch Vistar troop carrier; N18,000,000.00 for the training of women in cosmetology and provision of empowerment kits in Ondo Central Senatorial District, Ondo State; N258,989,999.75 for the procurement of 10 JAC patrol vehicles for NPF outpost stations in Kano State; N30,853,250.00 as security allowances for personnel attached to the Ministry of Police Affairs; N681,406,593.18 for the settlement of insurance claims through insurance brokers; N1,628,108,434.18 for outstanding insurance policy liabilities for 2020/2021; N57,484,515.30 for the procurement of video cameras, customised umbrellas, gift bags and customised towels for the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Office; N7,760,409.56 in withholding tax and value added tax that was not deducted from contracts awarded.
