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Nigerian govt to demolish, rebuild fire-damaged Iddo Bridge in Lagos

The Federal Government has announced plans to demolish and reconstruct three major spans of the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, following extensive structural damage caused by a fire outbreak and repeated collisions with heavy-duty vehicles. The disclosure was made on Wednesday, by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, during a press briefing
Nigerian govt to demolish, rebuild fire-damaged Iddo Bridge in Lagos

The Federal Government has announced plans to demolish and reconstruct three major spans of the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, following extensive structural damage caused by a fire outbreak and repeated collisions with heavy-duty vehicles.

The disclosure was made on Wednesday, by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, during a press briefing at the project site.

According to Kesha, the repair work forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate critical infrastructure and restore the Iddo Bridge to a safe and durable condition.

The reconstruction process, she said, will span approximately three months.

She explained that, beginning next weekend, articulated and heavy-duty vehicles will be restricted from accessing the bridge to allow for the installation of height barriers and other preliminary works ahead of demolition.

The actual removal of the damaged bridge deck is scheduled to commence on November 22, 2025.

“We are here to inform Lagos residents that the Iddo Bridge will soon be closed to articulated vehicles. This restriction is necessary because the bridge has suffered years of neglect and now requires urgent attention,” Kesha said.

She noted that the demolition and reconstruction will be executed in phases, starting with the Apapa-bound section.

During this phase, traffic will be diverted to the Carter Bridge corridor, where a counter flow arrangement will be put in place to accommodate light vehicles only.

To minimize disruptions, Kesha assured that the Ministry of Works has already engaged with relevant traffic and security agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, and the Nigeria Police Force, to coordinate a robust traffic management plan.

She appealed to motorists, particularly trailer and truck drivers, to adhere to diversion signs and make use of alternative routes through Eko Bridge, Costain, Third Mainland Bridge, and Herbert Macaulay Way during the construction period.

“Our priority is safety. We are raising awareness early, especially for truck drivers who might not receive updates through the media,” she added.

Kesha also revealed that the Ministry will embark on advocacy campaigns across garages, motor parks, and transport unions to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately informed about the temporary restrictions.

The project, she confirmed, is expected to be completed by early March 2026, after which the bridge will reopen fully to traffic.

Upon completion, it is expected to enhance road safety, improve traffic flow, and extend the lifespan of the vital transport corridor.

Nigerian govt to demolish, rebuild fire-damaged Iddo Bridge in Lagos

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Senate moves to shift Nigeria from petrol vehicles to electric

A bill which seeks to establish a comprehensive national framework for the transition to electric vehicles, promote local manufacturing, ensure environmental sustainability, and position Nigeria as a leader in clean energy transportation in Africa, has scaled second reading in the Senate The piece of legislation, “the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, 2025,” sponsored
Senate moves to shift Nigeria from petrol vehicles to electric

A bill which seeks to establish a comprehensive national framework for the transition to electric vehicles, promote local manufacturing, ensure environmental sustainability, and position Nigeria as a leader in clean energy transportation in Africa, has scaled second reading in the Senate

The piece of legislation, “the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, 2025,” sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC Abia North), outlines clear strategies for achieving Nigeria’s transition to electric mobility through local content development, foreign partnership regulations, nationwide charging infrastructure, and a coordinated inter-ministerial framework.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Senator Kalu said the proposed law is designed to transform Nigeria’s automobile and energy sectors by promoting innovation, local assembly, and environmental protection while creating thousands of jobs across the manufacturing value chain.

He said: “This bill will help Nigeria move from dependence on fossil fuels toward a cleaner and sustainable energy system. It will ensure that our local industries benefit directly from the emerging global electric vehicle market, create jobs, and reduce emissions in our cities.”

The lawmaker added that the bill provides incentives such as tax holidays, import duty waivers, toll exemptions, subsidies, and road tax exemptions for electric vehicle users and investors, while also mandating the installation of charging points in all fuel stations across the country.

The proposed law, according to him, lay emphasis on local content compliance, and mandates that all foreign automakers seeking to operate in Nigeria enter into partnerships with licensed Nigerian assemblers and establish assembly plants within three years of operation, adding that such companies must attain at least 30 percent local sourcing of components by 2030.

“Non-compliance attracts strict penalties, including the suspension of operations and a fine of N250 million per violation.

“Additionally, any unlicensed dealer involved in the importation or sale of electric vehicles without government authorization would face a N500 million fine per shipment, alongside confiscation of goods,” he disclosed.

Contributing, Senator Adamu Aliero (APC Kebbi Central), stressed the importance of reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint, especially in heavily industrialized and traffic-congested cities.

“The world is moving forward, and cities like Lagos and Kano are already suffering from high carbon emissions. Electric vehicles will drastically cut down pollution, improve public health, and create a new industrial ecosystem for Nigeria.

“Instead of exporting lithium, we should process and utilize it here at home to create jobs and diversify our economy,” Aliero said.

Also, Senator Osita Ngwu (APC Enugu West) emphasized that the transition to electric vehicles would also help Nigeria address the long-term dangers of climate change.

“Climate change is already affecting our communities and agricultural productivity. Embracing clean mobility is part of our national responsibility to future generations,” he stated.

Senator Titus Zam (APC Benue North-West), argued that Nigeria could no longer afford to lag behind as many nations across the world had adopted electric vehicle policies.

“From Europe to Asia and even several African countries, the electric vehicle revolution has already taken shape. Nigeria must not be left behind if we hope to remain competitive and relevant,” Zam said.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio commended Senator Kalu for his vision and described the Bill as a forward-looking legislative initiative that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda and global energy transition trends.

“This bill represents an important step toward sustainable industrial growth and environmental responsibility. Nigeria must prepare for the future of transportation and energy,” he said.

The Senate President later referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Industry for further legislative scrutiny and is expected to report back within four weeks.

Senate moves to shift Nigeria from petrol vehicles to electric

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Senate passes bill prescribing 14-year jail term for sexual harassment in tertiary institutions

The Senate has approved a maximum of 14 years imprisonment and a minimum of five years without the option of fine for anyone found guilty of sexually harassing students in tertiary institutions across the country. The upper legislative chamber, on Tuesday, passed for third reading a bill seeking to prevent and prohibit sexual harassment of
Senate passes bill prescribing 14-year jail term for sexual harassment in tertiary institutions

The Senate has approved a maximum of 14 years imprisonment and a minimum of five years without the option of fine for anyone found guilty of sexually harassing students in tertiary institutions across the country.

The upper legislative chamber, on Tuesday, passed for third reading a bill seeking to prevent and prohibit sexual harassment of students in educational institutions and other learning environments.

The bill, titled Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025 (HB.1597), was presented for concurrence by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).

Bamidele explained that the bill was designed to protect students from all forms of sexual misconduct and abuse within academic environments while providing a clear legal framework for enforcement and punishment of offenders.

According to him, “The Bill is enacted to promote and protect ethical standards in tertiary education, the sanctity of the student-educator relationship of authority, dependency, and trust, and respect for human dignity in educational institutions.”

The Senate stated that any person who commits any of the offences specified in the bill shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, face a prison term of up to 14 years but not less than five years, without the option of a fine.

It also provides that offenders guilty of lesser offences under other clauses of the bill will be liable to a jail term of up to five years but not less than two years, also without the option of a fine.

The legislation further allows students or their representatives to initiate civil actions in court for breach of fiduciary duty in cases of sexual harassment by educators.

The bill also makes provisions for institutions to handle disciplinary measures internally but bars any disciplinary body from continuing such proceedings if a criminal case on the same matter is already pending in court.

It defines sexual harassment to include: “Grabbing, hugging, kissing, rubbing, or touching the breasts, hair, lips, hips, or any other sensual part of the body of a woman; displaying, giving, or sending sexually explicit pictures or materials; whistling, winking, making sexual remarks, or stalking a student.”

The bill clarifies that “It shall not be a defence that a student consented to any offence,” except where both the educator and student are legally married.

According to the bill, complaints of sexual harassment can be filed in writing by the affected student, a relative, guardian, or lawyer to the Nigeria Police Force or the Attorney-General, with copies sent to the Independent Sexual Harassment Committee of the concerned institution.

During the debate, some lawmakers applauded the bill but called for its expansion beyond the education sector.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) said the legislation should not be limited to students alone, stressing that “there is no need to restrict sexual harassment issues to students. We should craft this law in a way that gives it universal application.”

However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), who presided over the session, clarified that the bill was a concurrence from the House of Representatives and could not be subjected to major alterations.

He added that there are already existing laws addressing sexual harassment in workplaces and other institutions.

After brief deliberations, the Senate unanimously passed the bill for third reading, describing it as a crucial step toward ending sexual abuse and protecting the rights of students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Senate passes bill prescribing 14-year jail term for sexual harassment in tertiary institutions

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Benue youths caution lawmaker over reckless statement

Benue youths under the aegis of Igede Youths Council, IYC, have cautioned member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency of Benue State, David Ogewu, over ludicrous comments against Igede youths. The group expressed profound dissatisfaction with Ogewu over alleged contemptuous labeling of Igede youths as “fools” for voicing their grievances regarding the abject neglect of the Otukpo-Oju
Benue youths caution lawmaker over reckless statement

Benue youths under the aegis of Igede Youths Council, IYC, have cautioned member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency of Benue State, David Ogewu, over ludicrous comments against Igede youths.

The group expressed profound dissatisfaction with Ogewu over alleged contemptuous labeling of Igede youths as “fools” for voicing their grievances regarding the abject neglect of the Otukpo-Oju section of the Loko-Oweto-Oju-Yahe Federal road.

The Igede youth group said the statement by Ogewu is not only an affront to their dignity but a gross misrepresentation of the spirit and resilience of the Igede people the world over.

This was contained in statement on Wednesday, by the President of Igede Youth Council, Andyson Iji Egbodo and the Secretary, Smith Akoko.

The statement read in parts, ‘With deep disappointment, we note Mr Ogewu’s failure to recognize the legitimate concerns of his constituents.

‘Our demand for infrastructural development is certainly not one of foolishness, so the dismissive language used by Mr Ogewu reveals a concerning lack of respect for the very youths who gave him a chance in the 2023 election.

“We have realized the mistake and now know we really never knew him.

“On this note, we categorically reject this derogatory rhetoric and call upon every Igede youth to exercise their civic duty and obtain their voter cards, as we have a crucial task ahead of us: to remove David Ogewu from the National Assembly and replace him with a representative whose character reflects the true values of an Igede man, one with humility, respect, and genuine concern for his constituents. ”

The youth group claimed they were fighting for what rightfully belongs to the Igede people and will not be silenced.

“We will continue to advocate for our rights and demands through every lawful means available to us, including peaceful protests. The neglect of our roads and infrastructure cannot be ignored, and we will not rest until our voices are heard and our needs addressed. “

Benue youths caution lawmaker over reckless statement

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Youths take fight against air pollution to FCT markets, schools

Efforts by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to address air pollution, with emphasizes on the importance of adopting clean energy solutions received a boost, as a youths advocacy group has taken the campaign to schools and markets. The youths advocacy group visited some major markets
Youths take fight against air pollution to FCT markets, schools

Efforts by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to address air pollution, with emphasizes on the importance of adopting clean energy solutions received a boost, as a youths advocacy group has taken the campaign to schools and markets.

The youths advocacy group visited some major markets and schools in the FCT yesterday, and today to distribute handbills, fliers and talk to students and members of the public.

The Breathe Clean Air Abuja project, which is scheduled for launch on November 13, is a flagship public-private partnership initiative under the FCTA.

The campaign will focus on raising awareness about the dangers of charcoal and firewood stoves, aiming to replace traditional firewood stoves with gas stoves and reach over 5,000 households across the six area councils of the FCT, particularly in underserved communities.

Led by Ms. Daniella Omotola, a young Rotaractor (Rotaract Club of Omole Golden, District 9111) and behavioral advocate, the youths group included members of Rotaract Clubs in the FCT and Youth Corps members.

They educated students and members of the public on environmental protection and the upcoming “Breathe Clean Air Abuja” project.

Mandate Secretary, FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, who declared the youth-focused advocacy campaign open in Abuja on Monday, announced that the Secretariat was collaborating with Rotaract Clubs in the FCT and other stakeholders, to sensitize young people on the dangers of air pollution and the importance of adopting clean energy solutions.

“Members of these clubs are to join the outreach efforts to further expand the campaign’s reach and impact among young people,” she said.

A statement by Fasawe’s media aide, Bola Ajao, said the campaign will focus on raising awareness about the dangers of charcoal and firewood stoves, encouraging the switch to cleaner cooking methods using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and promoting habits that protect the environment from pollution and hazardous substances.

Speaking during the advocacy visits, Omotola said her passion was to mobilize young people, especially students in secondary and tertiary institutions, to take the lead in protecting the environment for future generations.

She said; “Air pollution affects our planet, it affects our lives.

Therefore, as youths, we must get involved in whatever that is needed to be done to protect our environment.

“For us, we have employed interactive and creative approaches for youths engagement. We are introducing competitions, debates, poem recitations, talent hunts, social media challenges, and the formation of environmental clubs.

“We will give incentives and prizes to outstanding participants to further motivate their involvement.

“We are immensely grateful to the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, CON and the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, for ensuring this collaboration and having this level of confidence in the youths.”

Youths take fight against air pollution to FCT markets, schools

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Nigeria gets UNESCO’s first International Media, Information Literacy Institute

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, has formally approved the designation of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute, Abuja. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a world press conference in Abuja on Wednesday. The approval came at the instance of the UNESCO 43rd General Conference
Nigeria gets UNESCO’s first International Media, Information Literacy Institute

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, has formally approved the designation of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute, Abuja.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a world press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

The approval came at the instance of the UNESCO 43rd General Conference of the Communication and Information Commission (CI Session) held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

With this approval, Nigeria is positioned as a global leader in the fight against misinformation and disinformation, empowering it to spearhead international research, policy dialogue, and capacity-building in a critical 21st-century digital field.

Idris stated that the decision is a strong vote of confidence on Nigeria.

“The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to fostering a society where responsible free speech is seen as the engine of national progress,” Minister Idris said, adding, “A central pillar of our strategy is the democratisation of digital opportunities, with media and information literacy as the key driver.”

This comes at the time the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern over alleged Christian genocide.

President Trump had subsequently threatened to take military action if the Nigerian government fails to tackle insecurity challenges.

Nigeria gets UNESCO’s first International Media, Information Literacy Institute

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Nigerian govt lists terrorists arrested, those being prosecuted

Nigerian Government has listed significant progress made by the Tinubu administration in the war against terrorism across the North-West, North-East and South-East, North-Central, and other parts of the country in the last two years. It also listed a number of terrorists arrested and being prosecuted by the various law enforcement agencies in the country. The
Nigerian govt lists terrorists arrested, those being prosecuted

Nigerian Government has listed significant progress made by the Tinubu administration in the war against terrorism across the North-West, North-East and South-East, North-Central, and other parts of the country in the last two years.

It also listed a number of terrorists arrested and being prosecuted by the various law enforcement agencies in the country.

The government said that within this period, the number of terrorism-related attacks has plummeted.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja on Wednesday, Minister, Muhammed Idris, said a March 2025 report by the Global Terrorism Index, which indicated that terrorist attacks were at their lowest in over a decade in Nigeria.

“In the past eight months, the Nigerian military neutralized over 592 terrorists in Borno State alone. Over 13,500 terrorists and armed criminals have been neutralised. More than 17,000 arrests made. Over 11,200 hostages freed. More importantly, over 124,000 insurgents and their families surrendered, handing over more than 11,000 weapons,” he said.

“In the North-West, especially Zamfara and Kaduna, 11,250 hostages have been freed, and some of the terror leaders —Ali Kachala, Boderi, Halilu Sububu have been neutralized. In August, the military intercepted and killed, in one fell swoop, over 400 armed bandits who had converged to attack a village in Zamfara.

“In the South-East, terror attacks have been reduced by almost 80% through the joint effort of our security agencies. In the North-Central, many of these criminal elements have been neutralized, and many arrests have been made. The government is ratcheting up effort to ensure more robust security in the North-Central as new threats emerge.

“Two terrorism suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Abubakar Abba, who are wanted internationally, are currently undergoing prosecution.

“The two, who are believed to be leaders of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, were captured in a high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation in July.

“Their arrest marked a turning point in our ongoing operations against terrorism. Usman, the self-styled Emir of ANSARU, allegedly coordinated various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria.

“He is also believed to have masterminded several high-profile kidnappings and robberies, the proceeds of which were used to finance terrorism over the years. Abba, Usman’s chief of staff and deputy, is alleged to have led the so-called ‘Mahmudawa’ cell, which operated around the Kainji National Park, located on the border between the states of Niger and Kwara, as well as the Republic of Benin.

“Another terror suspect, Khalid Al‑Barnawi, accused of being the mastermind of the August 26, 2011, bombing of the United Nations Complex in Abuja, in which 20 people were killed and more than 70 others injured, is also facing prosecution. Captured in 2016, Al Barnawi is facing trial along with four other terror suspects – Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello aka Datti, Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu aka Bello Maishayi.

“On August 11, five terror suspects were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

“Also undergoing trial are the suspects arrested in connection with the Yelwata massacre in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on June 13, 2025, where dozens of people were killed and 107 were injured. drew worldwide condemnation.

“On June 24, 2025, 26 suspects in connection with the massacre were arrested. In August 2025, terrorism-related charges were filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja against the suspects.

“There are hundreds of other suspects under the military’s protective custody, whose cases are being handled by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

“So far, 125 of the terrorists have been convicted. The various arrests and trials of terrorism suspects showed that Nigeria’s security agencies have been diligent in dealing with the perpetrators of terror in the country.”

He said that the President is taking the lead to resolve all areas of misunderstanding through all available diplomatic and political channels just as the Federal Government welcomes more collaboration, assistance and partnership with all our foreign partners and the United States.

Nigerian govt lists terrorists arrested, those being prosecuted

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How to apply for Nigerian Army 2026 recruitment for short service intake

The Nigerian Army has announced that applications for its Short Service Combatant Commission, SSCC, Course 49/2026 are currently ongoing, calling on qualified Nigerians to apply and join as commissioned officers. The recruitment exercise opened on Thursday, October 9, 2025, and will close on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. According to the Army, the programme is open
How to apply for Nigerian Army 2026 recruitment for short service intake

The Nigerian Army has announced that applications for its Short Service Combatant Commission, SSCC, Course 49/2026 are currently ongoing, calling on qualified Nigerians to apply and join as commissioned officers.

The recruitment exercise opened on Thursday, October 9, 2025, and will close on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

According to the Army, the programme is open to serving military personnel as well as eligible civilian applicants who meet the specified requirements.

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth and must be between 23 and 27 years old as of January 9, 2026.

Civilian candidates are also expected to submit letters of attestation from two reputable individuals, such as a Local Government Chairman/Secretary or a senior officer in the military or police, not below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or Assistant Commissioner of Police.

The army also noted that applicants will serve in combat arms and combat support arms of the army after successful training and commission.

Basic requirements

Must be medically, mentally, and physically fit by Army standards.

Civilians must provide two referees’ attestation letters from recognized officials (e.g., Local Government Chairman or senior military/police officer from applicant’s state).

Must submit a Letter of Attestation from former educational institutions.

Minimum height: 1.68m (male) and 1.65m (female).

Must have no criminal convictions or disciplinary cases; service members need endorsement from commanding officers.

Must possess at least a first degree (Second Class Lower) or HND (Lower Credit) from an accredited institution (2017 to date).

Must provide a valid birth certificate/age declaration and certificate of state of origin.

Non-military applicants must have NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.

Must provide valid contact information of parents/guardians and next of kin.

No tattoos or body inscriptions allowed.

Must present original copies of all educational certificates (primary to tertiary).

Serving personnel must have served at least 5 years, present military ID and recommendation letters, and declare service status honestly.

Must not belong to any cult, secret society, or fraternity.

Must not have been dismissed or withdrawn from any military or paramilitary training institution.

How to apply

Visit the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal at recruitment.army.mil.ng and select the SSC option.

You will be redirected to a page containing the conditions of entry for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 49/2026.

Click on “Apply Now” under the SSC 49/2026 section according to your qualification.

Indicate whether you are currently serving or have previously served in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, then proceed.

If you are a new applicant, click “Sign Up” to create an account (a verification link will be sent to your email). Log in using your new or existing credentials.

How to apply for Nigerian Army 2026 recruitment for short service intake