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Hoodlums Attack Ipaja Police Station in Lagos

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Ipaja Police Station

By Dipo Olowookere

Some hoodlums on Monday morning attacked the Ipaja Police Station in Lagos, disrupting business activities in the area.

It was gathered that the thugs, mainly commercial motorcycle riders popularly known as okada riders, were kicking against extortions allegedly by men of the Nigeria Police Force.

A tricycle rider, who spoke with Business Post on the condition of anonymity this morning, explained that security operatives, especially the task force, have been frustrating commercial vehicle operators within Ipaja and Ayobo.

A power-generating set repairer, who uses his motorcycle for his work, said Lagos State Taskforce officials have made life unbearable for riders in Alimosho local government.

“I have stopped going around with my motorcycle for work because of the police. I bailed my okada with N50,000 after several pleas when it was impounded.

“They even threatened to take the bike to Alausa (Lagos State Secretariat) if I did not pay the N50,000 bribe. I was left with no choice but to quickly pay the money. Of course, I had to make calls to get the money from friends and family members,” the artisan, who gave his name as Mr Mutiu, told this newspaper.

“The task force has made the Ipaja-Ayobo axis a dangerous place to ride motorcycles,” he further claimed.

A visit to the area on Monday indicated apprehension among residents of the area as some persons seen wearing police jackets were wielding dangerous weapons like machetes and bottles controlling traffic around the Atan Nla axis on the Ipaja-Ayobo road.

This reporter saw a white Toyota Camry 2008 model car allegedly vandalised by security officials, with the windscreen and hind screen destroyed. The attempt by the driver of the car to drive into the police station, probably to report the matter officially, was blocked by stern-looking policemen at the entrance of the station, who ordered him to park his vehicle outside.

One of the policemen wielding a machete told him, “When we told you to turn back (reverse), you thought we were playing.” Oga, move your car away from there because you are obstructing the way.”

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Plateau Attack: CAN Demands Prosecution of Culprits

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christian association of nigeria can

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for action over the recent attack in Plateau State, asking authorities to address and prosecute those behind the killing.

In a statement, CAN President, Mr Daniel Okoh, described the attack as “not just tragic” but also “unacceptable”.

“Nigerians are tired of mourning. Nigerians are tired of statements. Nigerians want to see action,” the cleric said in a statement issued late Monday.

“Those responsible for this atrocity must be found, arrested, and made to face justice; swiftly and decisively. Anything less will only deepen the sense that life in our country is no longer protected.”

The attack on Sunday in Angwan Rukuba, in Jos North Local Government Area, left 28 people dead and several others wounded.

Expectedly, the incident has sparked outrage among Nigerians and protests by angry residents of the area.

CAN called for a thorough investigation into the attack and called for proactive action before these attacks take place.

“Our security institutions must not only respond; they must stay ahead of these threats,” the Christian body said while acknowledging efforts by the Plateau State Government.

“But let it be said clearly: temporary measures are not enough. The people of Plateau, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve lasting security, not periodic reassurance,” Mr Okoh said.

CAN told Nigerians to be vigilant and calm, but maintained that the nation owes the dead justice.

“We owe the living protection. And we owe our future a country where no community wakes up to gunfire on a sacred day.”

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, visited the affected area under heavy security and also those wounded on Monday, even as the state government imposed curfew on the affected place.

“This unfortunate event led to the loss of 28 innocent lives and left many others injured. I feel deeply the weight of the pain inflicted on our people,” the governor said in a state-wide broadcast.

He also vowed that Plateau State won’t succumb to fear or intimidation.

“We shall emerge stronger, united, and resolute in our faith and commitment to peace,” the governor assured.

“We must deploy every available resource to defend our people, protect lives and property, and safeguard the territorial integrity of our state. Plateau shall remain strong and peaceful.”

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NPA Sets N1.489tn Revenue Goal, Unveils Port Modernisation Plans

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15% tariff nigerian exports

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is raising its financial and operational ambitions for 2026, unveiling a revenue target of N1.489 trillion alongside plans to overhaul two of the country’s busiest seaports, Apapa and Tin Can Island, in a push to boost efficiency and global competitiveness.

Speaking during the agency’s 2026 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, the ports regulator’s Managing Director, Mr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the new revenue projection reflects a strategic shift focused on strengthening resilience and driving sustainable growth across Nigeria’s port system.

The proposed figure represents an increase over the N1.468 trillion initially projected for 2025, a benchmark the authority not only met but exceeded, recording approximately N1.97 trillion in revenue collections.

A breakdown of the 2026 proposal shows a strong tilt toward infrastructure development, with N945 billion allocated to capital expenditure. Operating costs are projected at N447.5 billion, while N90.6 billion is expected to be remitted to the federal government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Central to the NPA’s transformation agenda is the planned modernisation of Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port, two critical gateways for Nigeria’s maritime trade. Dantsoho noted that both facilities, due to their age and outdated capacity, require urgent upgrades to meet the demands of modern shipping and logistics operations.

He disclosed that preliminary work on the projects is set to begin within weeks, marking a significant step toward repositioning Nigeria’s ports within the global maritime value chain.

On financial operations, the NPA boss reiterated that all revenues generated by the authority are remitted directly into the Treasury Single Account managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, stressing that the agency operates without retaining independent revenue.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Mr Wasiu Eshinlokun, underscored the importance of collaboration between lawmakers and agencies. He noted that the committee’s oversight function is designed to improve efficiency, strengthen institutional performance, and ensure responsible use of public funds.

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Yusuf Tuggar Steps Down as Foreign Minister Over 2027 Political Ambition

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Yusuf Tuggar

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar, has resigned from his position, in line with the directive that government appointees seeking political offices must resign before March 31.

Business Post reports that the diplomat is eyeing a governorship ambition in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mr Tuggar’s resignation was confirmed in a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Monday.

Mr Tuggar submitted his resignation letter on Monday, barely 24 hours before the deadline set by President Bola Tinubu, which directs all political appointees under his administration seeking to contest elective offices in the 2027 elections to resign before March 31.

The directive is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.

With this development, more resignations are expected before the March 31 deadline as appointees seeking elective offices move to meet the stipulated deadline.

Earlier today, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr Nasiru Gawuna, formally resigned from his position to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with his sights on the Kano governorship ticket.

Mr Tuggar’s resignation comes amid the speculation of his interest in contesting the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The 59-year-old is a seasoned diplomat, policymaker, and political figure who was appointed as minister by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023.

Born on March 12, 1967, he has built a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, politics, energy, and strategic consulting.

He is widely regarded for his role in shaping Nigeria’s global engagement and advancing its foreign policy priorities.

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