Former SGF Babachir Lawal calls for judicial inquiry into alleged fake Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal has advocated for a judicial inquiry into the controversy surrounding the alleged fake Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council. Speaking with ARISE NEWS, Lawal suggested that the situation indicates systemic failures rather than mere administrative errors, arguing that an administrative investigation alone would be insufficient. He questioned how an alleged ₦27.5 billion take-off grant could have been approved and disbursed to an organization without legal standing, stating that this amount was reportedly spent before budget scrutiny. Lawal posited that the scandal only surfaced due to disagreements over fund distribution, not effective government oversight. He also criticized institutional weaknesses within the current administration, particularly within the Office of the SGF, which he believes should have identified and flagged irregularities. Lawal further accused the National Assembly of failing to thoroughly scrutinize budget proposals, suggesting that many legislators do not adequately review budget lines. He emphasized that public attention should focus on individuals who allegedly facilitated the agency's operations, rather than solely on its legal status.
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Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, has identified poor environmental practices and illegal land reclamation as the primary causes of persistent flooding in Lagos. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Bush-Alebiosu stated that indiscriminate waste disposal, illegal dredging, and unauthorized reclamation hinder efforts to manage flooding in the coastal state. He explained that illegal reclamation is often driven by commercial interests, while poor waste disposal stems from residents' attitudes. The Commissioner also highlighted the concerning practice of dumping human waste into the lagoon, warning of its environmental and public health consequences. Lagos has recently experienced widespread flooding following continuous rainfall, leading to disruptions in movement, property damage, and public criticism of the state government. Major roads frequently affected include Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu Road, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Lekki, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho, Obalende, and sections of the Lagos-Ibadan, Lagos-Abeokuta, Apapa-Oshodi, and Lekki-Epe Expressways.
A Nigerian surrogate mother has spoken out about her journey into surrogacy, driven by financial difficulties and an irresponsible partner, particularly after the loss of her second child. In a YouTube episode on Cruise TV, she detailed the emotional, financial, and psychological aspects of carrying children for other families. She described surrogacy as one of her hardest decisions, highlighting the emotional attachment that develops during pregnancy despite knowing the child is not hers. She became a gestational surrogate through IVF, meaning she had no biological connection to the babies. Her partner's failure to provide for their family, coupled with her inability to work during her second pregnancy and the subsequent death of her baby due to complications, led her to this path. She initially declined financial compensation beyond medical care, accommodation, and allowances, a decision she now regrets. The surrogate mother stated she would not encourage her daughter to pursue surrogacy due to the emotional and health risks. She also mentioned relocating during a pregnancy to avoid stigma and often telling people the baby had died when questioned. She noted that surrogate mothers face psychological challenges even with counseling and called for stronger regulation of surrogacy to protect mothers from exploitation and ensure adequate support.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has released an updated step-by-step guide for Nigerians living abroad to renew their passports using its Contactless Passport Application System. The Service announced this update on its official X handle, encouraging diaspora Nigerians to utilize the digital platform. The process involves visiting the NIS Passport Application portal, creating an account, verifying identity with a National Identification Number and date of birth, completing the application form, choosing a processing embassy or high commission, uploading documents, and paying the passport fee. Applicants then obtain an Application ID and Reference Number, select the Contactless option, and download the NIS Mobile App to complete biometric enrolment, including facial image and fingerprint capture, and liveness verification. A contactless service fee is also required. The Service noted that not all applicants will qualify for the contactless process; ineligible applicants must book a physical appointment. Those who successfully complete contactless biometrics must print the application form, passport booklet payment, biometric payment, and current passport, and send these in a self-addressed return envelope to their selected processing embassy. Applicants can track their application status two weeks after submission via the NIS website or mobile app.