
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has alleged that political opponents of President Bola Tinubu's administration are exploiting insecurity and other challenges to create a negative perception of Nigeria. Speaking at the commissioning of the Outer Southern Expressway in the Federal Capital Territory, Akpabio claimed that opposition politicians have shifted focus to insecurity because they cannot criticize the government's performance in key economic sectors. He cited reforms in the petroleum industry, fuel subsidy removal, and ongoing infrastructure projects as government achievements. Akpabio further alleged that some individuals are encouraging acts to create instability and fear, stating they "start to recruit people to cause mayhem" and "kidnap people in order to give the impression that Nigeria is not safe." However, he did not provide evidence or identify specific groups or individuals. Akpabio urged Nigerians to be vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, commending the armed forces for their efforts. He expressed confidence in overcoming security challenges and advised against allowing political differences to undermine national unity.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s export-led growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA by unveiling a $1 billion AfCFTA Adjustment Fund Credit Facility. This facility aims to boost production, competitiveness, and intra-African trade for Nigerian businesses. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, announced this during the second quarter 2026 meeting of the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee in Abuja. The financing is intended to help businesses expand operations, modernize production processes, and increase exports to African markets. Oduwole acknowledged that Nigerian businesses still face challenges such as export documentation, certification, standards compliance, and market access, and stated that the government is addressing these through enhanced trade facilitation measures and collaboration with institutions like the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. She also emphasized the need to domesticate key AfCFTA protocols, including the Digital Trade Protocol. The National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mrs Patience Okala, noted that the $1 billion facility is targeted at large African businesses with a minimum financing capacity of $10 million, and her office is working with fund managers to facilitate access for eligible Nigerian companies. The AfCFTA, which began trading in January 2021, is the world’

The Senate Committee on South East Development Commission has ordered Mark Okoye, the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission, to account for the alleged mismanagement of ₦16.6bn appropriated in the 2025 budget. During an investigative hearing, the committee, chaired by Senator Orji Kalu, raised objections to items in the commission’s financial report, including ₦153m for a liaison office rent and ₦2.5bn categorised as “implied expenditure.” Senator Kalu stated that preliminary findings from the Central Bank of Nigeria indicated only ₦13bn remained from the ₦16.6bn disbursed, suggesting ₦3.6bn was spent without clear justification. Other committee members, including Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, and Austin Akobundu, also expressed dissatisfaction. Okoye defended the expenditure, asserting that funds were used judiciously for priority projects and procurement. However, the committee rejected his explanation as insufficient and directed the SEDC to submit comprehensive documentation, including contract details and payment schedules, by the 23rd of this month for further review.

Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps have arrested over 15 suspected environmental offenders near the Jibowu railway corridor in Lagos State. The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the arrests on his verified X handle on Tuesday. The suspects were apprehended for allegedly collecting used disposable plastics and plates from refuse bins and reselling them to food vendors in the area. This enforcement exercise is part of the state government's ongoing efforts to curb environmental violations and ensure public health safety.