By Dipo Olowookere

The National Museum in Lagos is wearing a new look, thanks to IHS Nigeria, a member of the IHS Holding Limited, which bankrolled the renovation of the facility.

The company, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, also ensured facilities at the museum were upgraded for the use of members of the public.

IHS Nigeria collaborated with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments to give the facility a facelift.

The overall aesthetic appeal of the museum site was improved, with an extensive restoration of the main gallery, which incorporates the installation of modern display and lighting systems, air‑conditioning units, a solar inverter system to enhance energy efficiency, and surveillance cameras to aid safety, security and operational performance across the facility.

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Ms Hannatu Musawa, at the commissioning, praised the organisation for supporting the long-term preservation of Nigeria’s cultural assets and heritage.

The Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr Olugbile Holloway, also thanked IHS Nigeria for the renovation, saying the gesture goes far beyond bricks and mortar, as it is a profound commitment to preserving the soul of the nation.

“The National Museum Lagos is home to some of Nigeria’s most treasured antiquities, from the ancient terracotta of the Nok civilisation to the magnificent bronzes of the Benin Kingdom and the classical works of Ife.

“To restore this institution is to restore our collective memory. We thank HIS Nigeria for choosing to renew not just infrastructure, but the heritage, identity, and hope of our people.

“Their support ensures that generations of Nigerians yet unborn will walk through these halls and encounter the full greatness of who we are and where we come from,” Mr Holloway said.

In his remarks, the chief executive of IHS Nigeria, Mr Mohamad Darwish, said, “Having seen the rich historical and cultural heritage housed in this national museum complex, we believed it was important to go a step further after supporting the development of the digital museum, to also improve the aesthetics, security and structural integrity of the main physical complex.

“This aligns with our broader commitment to sustainable infrastructure development and the preservation of Nigeria’s history. I am proud of these renovations and that visitors, including tourists, researchers and art enthusiasts, can visit the museum to be immersed in Nigeria’s rich history in an environment that is safe, beautiful and welcoming.

“The artefacts can also now be better preserved, protected and presented in a way that celebrates the history they represent. I thank the National Commission for Museums and Monuments for this ongoing partnership, which continues to exemplify the power of a collaborative effort in driving innovation, fostering national pride, and enhancing the creative economy.”

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Kebbi State Police Command says 44 people were killed following a coordinated attack on eight communities in Shanga Local Government Area of the North-Western state.

The affected villages include Gebe, Kalkami, Kawara, Kasoshi, Awaye, Tungar Rini, Binuwa, and Dabe.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Kebbi Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr Bashir Usman, said it launched a statewide clearance operation.

Mr Usman said the operation followed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu, aimed at preventing further banditry and violent crimes across the state.

The police stated that massive deployments of police personnel and other security agencies have been made to the affected communities, leading to the return of relative calm.

The command added that discreet investigations have commenced into the attack.

The ongoing clearance operation, according to the police, is targeting high-risk areas such as farmlands, forests, border communities, and remote settlements.

It also includes coordinated patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations, and joint actions with other security agencies.

As part of the operation, the police said two AK-47 rifles were recovered along the Illo-Kamba axis, describing it as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Umar Hadejia, called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

Mr Hadejia also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, religious bodies, and youth groups to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and strengthen security across the state.

Residents had reportedly appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris to take decisive action to restore security in the area and enable displaced residents to safely return to their homes.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria has proposed that the federal government deploy at least 60 per cent of excess crude oil revenue above the budget benchmark to subsidise feedstock for local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery.

The President of the group, Mr Festus Osifo, made the proposal in Abuja yesterday, warning that the rising cost of petrol has placed unbearable pressure on households and businesses and that such urgent measures remain necessary to ease economic hardship on Nigerian workers.

Mr Osifo explained that crude oil prices above the budget benchmark of $64.85 per barrel currently generate excess revenue shared among the three tiers of government.

He argued that redirecting a significant portion of this surplus into subsidising crude supply for domestic refining would reduce production costs and translate quickly into lower pump prices for petrol, diesel and aviation fuel.

The labour leader noted that the sharp increase in fuel prices, exacerbated by global supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions, has worsened transportation costs and manufacturing expenses, ultimately driving up the prices of goods and services.

According to him, the situation risks reversing the modest decline in inflation recorded in recent months.

He said, “We are seeing that the cost of petroleum is edging towards N2,000 per litre, and Nigerian workers are facing excruciating pain as we speak. What we are saying is that if crude oil prices exceed the budget benchmark, let the government take at least 60 per cent of that excess and use it to subsidise crude supplied to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries.

“When you subsidise production directly, it reduces the cost of feedstock, and that will translate immediately to a reduction in the pump price of petroleum products. When this is done, I can assure you that within one to two weeks, the prices of PMS, AGO, and jet fuel will go down, and Nigerians will begin to feel relief.”

Mr Osifo also stressed the need for immediate relief measures, alongside long-term investments in alternative energy such as compressed natural gas (CNG). While acknowledging government efforts to introduce CNG-powered buses, he said inadequate infrastructure remains a major challenge limiting their impact.

He also expressed concerns over the persistent insecurity across the country, urging the government to prioritise investment in modern security equipment and technology while commending security agencies for their ongoing efforts.