🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Lawyers challenge alleged privatization of Abuja's Jabi Lake Park
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Masalaha Law & Associates has issued a pre-action notice to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Nyesom Wike, regarding alleged lack of transparency and developments at Jabi Lake Park. The firm, representing IESP Initiative and Concerned Residents and Users of the park, claims authorities failed to disclose public records and permitted developments without proper legal authorization. They highlight that Jabi Lake Park is a designated public recreational space and express concern over ongoing construction and potential privatization activities without public disclosure of the legal basis or concession arrangements. An earlier Freedom of Information request for the park's master plan, land use designations, and details of any public-private partnerships, including Environmental Impact Assessments and planning approvals, went unanswered within the statutory timeframe. The lawyers warn of legal action, including seeking an order of mandamus to compel disclosure, a declaration that any undisclosed privatization is unlawful, or an order setting aside inconsistent allocations. In response, Olayinka Lere, media aide to the FCT Minister, stated that the development plan for Jabi Lake Waterfront was made public on February 13, 2026, following an MoU signing between the FCTA and private firms Suburban Broadband and Akida Hills Limited. Lere asserted that the agreement was transparent, aimed at transforming the waterfront into a luxury tourism destination, and th
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The Young Progressives Party YPP has announced its schedule for the 2026 electoral cycle, including dates for congresses, primaries, and its national convention. The party has set the presidential nomination form at ₦50 million. This information was shared by YPP National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins, following the party's 25th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja. The NEC approved nomination fees for all elective positions, with governorship forms at ₦20 million, Senate aspirants at ₦8 million, House of Representatives at ₦3 million, and state assembly hopefuls at ₦1.5 million. Expression of interest forms remain free. The YPP also introduced a 50 percent concession on nomination fees for individuals under 40, women, and persons with disabilities to promote wider participation. The sale of forms has commenced. State Houses of Assembly primaries are scheduled for May 24, House of Representatives and Senate primaries for May 25, governorship primaries for May 26, and the national convention and presidential primary for May 30. The NEC also voiced significant concern regarding the escalating insecurity nationwide, particularly the increase in kidnappings for ransom and violent attacks, urging the President to demonstrate stronger political will to address the crisis.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced new BVN guidelines, effective May 1, 2026, which will significantly alter how Nigerians manage their bank accounts. These updates include enhanced security measures such as limiting logins to a single device, implementing a one-time phone number change policy, and potentially imposing temporary restrictions on accounts identified with suspicious activity. The new regulations apply to all BVN holders, and customers are encouraged to update and secure their information before the deadline to prevent service interruptions. While the policy aims to combat fraud and bolster digital banking security, there are ongoing concerns regarding its potential impact on accessibility, particularly for users already contending with Nigeria's banking and network challenges.
Canada has approved a multi-billion-dollar expansion of a west coast natural gas pipeline, aiming to increase exports to Asia and reduce reliance on the United States. Prime Minister Mark Carney has characterized Canada as an "energy superpower," stating that increased oil and gas sales to Asia could mitigate losses from strained trade relations with the United States. The Ministry of Natural Resources confirmed that the project supports Canada's trade diversification strategy by enhancing its capacity to meet natural gas demand from Asian markets. The pipeline expansion could also facilitate liquefied natural gas sales to the United States, potentially offering Canada leverage in upcoming negotiations with President Donald Trump regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement. The CAN$4 billion $2.9 billion expansion of Enbridge's pipeline system in British Columbia is scheduled to commence this summer, with completion anticipated by late 2028. While this timeline does not offer immediate relief to the global LNG market, which is currently under pressure from the US-Iran conflict, the International Energy Agency has warned of long-term strains on LNG supplies due to the conflict. Experts suggest that Canadian energy products, which do not require transit through the Middle East, could become more appealing in Asian markets given the disruption to global supply chains.
Must ReadDr. Kehinde Ololade, an oncologist and Medical Director of Jacaranda Cancer Centre, Abeokuta, stated that cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, regardless of status, gender, or tribe, and is not a spiritual attack. He emphasized that early presentation of cases is crucial for fighting cancer. Dr. Ololade made these remarks during a visit from the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, led by its Chairman, Dr. Adetokunbo Vaughan. He highlighted late presentation, the misconception of cancer as a spiritual problem, and the high cost of care as significant challenges to effective cancer management in the country. Dr. Ololade explained that early detection is key to survival, noting that many survivors presented their cases early and received appropriate treatment. He urged people to seek medical evaluation for symptoms such as breast lumps, bloody discharge from nipples, armpit lumps, or unexplained weight loss. While acknowledging that cancer care is globally expensive, he suggested that government support, particularly financial aid for cancer care centers, could help save lives. The Jacaranda Cancer Centre manages over 300 patients annually, provides chemotherapy, and offers community-based interventions with free cancer tests. Dr. Vaughan reiterated that cancer is treatable with early detection and urged Nigerians to prioritize routine screening. He also noted that personnel and infrastructure shortages are challenges,