Total rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State cost N43 billion while the bridge’s Closed Circuit Television Camera (CCTV) Centre cost about N2.5 billion.
The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, made this known on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Lagos while addressing journalists.
Umahi said that the scope of work covered total rehabilitation of 14km by 14 metres width by two carriageways.
Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos
“It also includes rebuilding and repainting of some concrete works and replacing expansion joints and putting solar lights.”
He said that establishment of the CCTV centre was part of the Third Mainland Bridge rehabilitation contract.
“The total contract sum for rehabilitation of the bridge is N43 billion.
“The cost of the CCTV centre is not more than N2.5 billion,” he said.
He emphasised that the CCTV centre did not cost N40 billion as reported in some quarters.
Inaugurating the CCTV centre on Sunday, Umahi had said that the current administration met a terrible Third Mainland Bridge.
“When we came on board in 2023, we met a very terrible Third Mainland Bridge, Carter Bridge and Iddo Bridge both on the pavement, surface, infrastructure above the water and even infrastructure below the water.
”The president, therefore, directed total re-evaluation and rehabilitation of the surfaces of the Third Mainland Bridge and changing the expansion joints.”
According to the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mr. Olufemi Dare, the CCTV centre is the first of its kind in Nigeria.
“We have a boat that has been bought for surveillance of the bridge. There are two Hilux vans, too.
“We have 240 solar panels in this environment. The whole place is fully air-conditioned. We have 10 inverters inside the building.
”We have a transformer, a 300KVA transformer. We have a standby generating plant and monitoring screens,” he said.
The Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Abuja lauded Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) support to tackle environmental challenges in the country.
Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, said this at the National Capacity Building Workshop on Project Oversight for GEF, Operational Focal Point (OFP) and Implementing Partners in Nigeria.
“The Global Environment Facility has remained a long-standing and strategic partner to Nigeria in addressing our critical environmental challenges.”
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment
He said that the workshop underscored the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening environmental governance, improving project delivery, and ensuring that Nigeria maximises the benefits of global environmental financing.
Lawal, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Mahmud Kambari, said that the nation faced a complex mix of environmental issues.
“These environmental issues according to him, ranges from desertification encroachment on the northern frontiers, plastic pollution which threatens Nigeria’s cities and waterways.
“Biodiversity loss across key ecosystems, oil contamination in the Niger Delta, to climate change risks that continue to endanger lives and livelihoods.
“These challenges demand not only financial resources, but also strong institutional capacity to plan, implement, monitor, and oversee projects effectively.
“In this regard, GEF-supported projects have played a significant role in advancing environmental sustainability in Nigeria.”
The minister said that through its interventions, GEF had supported biodiversity conservation initiatives that have helped conserved over 500 indigenous plant species.
He said that it had also promoted sustainable forest management, and strengthened community-based conservation efforts across the country.
“In the area of climate change mitigation, GEF projects have focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable land-use practices, contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s climate action goals.
“GEF has also been instrumental in addressing land degradation by supporting initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture, restore degraded landscapes, and enhance food security and ecosystem health,” Lawal said.
The permanent secretary in his remarks noted that the workshop was the outcome of the shared desire to strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with GEF.
Kambari was represented by Mrs. Nkechi Aneke, Director, Department of Planning Research and Statistics in the ministry.
Kambari said the workshop was also to ensure that Nigeria was fully equipped to manage its portfolio to international standards.
The permanent secretary noted that with more than three decades of partnership with the GEF, Nigeria continued to benefit from programmes and projects that address biodiversity conservation.
“Climate change mitigation and adaptation, land degradation control, international waters management, and the reduction of chemicals and waste.
“However, achieving real impact requires more than funding, it requires coordination, technical competence, and strong oversight,” the permanent secretary said.
Kambari commended the funding support of GEF in collaboration with the Tropical Biology Association (TBA) for facilitating the workshop.
Dr Michael David, the Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food, Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), said that the training was part of GEF’s initiative.
David said the initiative was to provide some financial support and capacity building to over 144 countries with GEF operational focal point offices.
“So here in Africa, the Tropical Biology Association is leading the work in 25 countries while the African Wildlife is organising this same training in 29 other countries.
“So it’s basically for the OFP to strengthen oversight. Project oversight is important,” David explained.
He lauded GEF’s initiative to address biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution as well as its support for environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
Chinese national, Lin Yunhua, the notorious kingpin of a wildlife trafficking syndicate convicted in 2021 for smuggling 2.6 tons of ivory, rhino horns, and pangolin scales worth millions, entered a not-guilty plea on Monday, January 12, 2026, to seven corruption-related counts before High Court Judge Redson Kapindu, capping a saga marked by a controversial presidential pardon, international outcry from conservation groups, and allegations of deep-rooted bribery within Malawi’s justice and prison systems.
Yunhua, who led the Lin-Zhang cartel that turned Malawi into a hub for illegal wildlife trade across southern Africa since his arrival from China in 2009, faces two charges of corrupt practices for allegedly offering K30 million and house construction completion in 2019 to Maula Prison’s then-officer-in-charge, Aaron Ganyavu Kaunda, aiming to sway Chief Resident Magistrate Violet Chipao toward a lighter sentence in his original case.
Chinese national Lin Yunhua at the court
Additionally, five counts of abuse of public office accuse him of persuading prison officials to allow unauthorised excursions from Maula Prison between 2022 and 2023 to his residences in Lilongwe’s Area 9, Biwi, Kanengo, and Bunda neighbourhoods while serving his 14-year term.
The case, resurfacing after Yunhua’s shock pardon by former President Lazarus Chakwera in July 2025 – which drew condemnation from groups like the Environmental Investigation Agency for undermining anti-trafficking efforts – led to his swift re-arrest by the Anti-Corruption Bureau on fresh bribery claims involving a High Court judge and prison staff.
Kapindu, who dismissed Yunhua’s bail and unlawful detention bids in November citing flight risk, adjourned proceedings to Tuesday for a ruling on the case’s direction, as Malawi’s conservation commitment faces scrutiny amid ongoing human and wildlife trafficking crises fueled by corruption.
The Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) has announced the first confirmed speakers for its 10th Anniversary programme, bringing together senior policymakers, regulators and National Oil Company (NOC) executives from across the region.
Many of the confirmed speakers have actively participated in SAIPEC since its inception, contributing to its evolution from a regional conference into Africa’s leading oil, gas and energy platform.
A panel discussion session at SAIPEC 2025
The first series of confirmed speakers includes:
Dr Emeafa Hardcastle, Acting CEO, Petroleum Commission Ghana (Ghana)
Engr. Felix Ogbe Omatsola, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) (Nigeria)
Hon. Dr Eng. Caleb Makwiranzou, Deputy Minister for Mines and Mining Development / Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) (Zimbabwe)
Foday Mansaray, Director General, Petroleum Directorate (Sierra Leone)
Dr Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director, Petroleum Authority of Uganda (Uganda)
Dr Amadou Hassane, Former General Director of Hydrocarbons, Ministry of Petroleum (Niger Republic)
Baboucarr Njie, Managing Director, Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) (The Gambia)
Proscovia Nabbanja, Chief Executive Officer, Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) (Uganda)
Fabian M. Lai, President & CEO, National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) (Liberia)
Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, CEO, Geoplex Limited, Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (Nigeria)
Kwaku Boateng, Director, Economics and Local Content, Petroleum Commission Ghana (Ghana)
Jean Michel Akossi, Director of Local Content, Directorate of Local Content, Côte d’Ivoire (Côte d’Ivoire)
Collectively, these leaders represent institutions and markets that have consistently engaged with SAIPEC over the past decade, reinforcing the event’s role as a trusted forum for sustained policy dialogue, regional cooperation and investment promotion.
SAIPEC 2026 will take place next month, from February 10–12 2026, at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, marking 10 years since the event’s launch. Hosted by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) in strategic partnership with NCDMB, NNPC Ltd, NUPRC and AOS Orwell, the anniversary edition will convene regulators, NOCs, operators, investors and service providers from across Africa and beyond.
A key focus of the 10th anniversary programme will be Nigeria’s ongoing oil licensing round, with dedicated sessions providing the latest regulatory updates, acreage opportunities and investment insights. These discussions will be complemented by country spotlight sessions highlighting upstream, gas, and infrastructure opportunities across major African energy markets.
Beyond the conference agenda, networking remains central to SAIPEC, with curated business meetings, executive receptions and industry networking events designed to facilitate partnerships and deal-making. The international exhibition, one of the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, will feature over 150 exhibitors, showcasing technologies, services and solutions across exploration, production, engineering, digitalisation and energy transition.
This is the northeast trade wind emanating from the Sahara, which blows across West Africa, and reaches Nigeria typically from November in a year and ends around March the following year. It therefore expectedly reaches Nigeria’s northern arid borders before the rainforest and mangroves of the south on the Atlantic Ocean.
The harmattan in Nigeria is characterised by hazy conditions, often windy and dusty, and low temperature especially at night and in the mornings. Hitherto we experienced significant daily temperature fluctuations, sometimes from 9°C to 30°C. So far, as at the second week in January 2026, this has not happened.
This has led to the very widely commented no harmattan in December 2025 and so far in January 2026, in Nigeria.
Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba
Questions arise
As a result of the experience this December 2025/January 2026, people are asking questions. These include:
How do we explain this phenomenon/What could have caused this?
What should we expect this year?
What other impact could there be?
A brief on how we addressed these questions
The simple way to go about this would be to look at meteorological records and see if we have had this experience in the past. We cannot rely on human memory because that is weak. The world of science and policy requires that we produce evidence. If we find a similar year in the past, we may then look into the year that followed and imagine what to expect.
Being in the southeast of Nigeria, the closest research institute to me, having reliable meteorological records is the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) at Umudike, in Abia state. That institute has the longest records on such parameters. Available data at the NRCRI spanned 103 years, and included data on temperature, wind, and dust. Absence of harmattan in this period is indicated by higher-than-average temperature for period, less dust in the atmosphere, and less wind speed.
In the past, may be up till the 1980s most primary and secondary schools in the same southeast Nigeria collated basic meteorological records and recorded them. These they did using simple rain gauges and wind vanes or weathercock. Today, I cannot find one school with rain gauge, wind vane or weathercock indicating the cardinal points of North, South, East and West, not to add thermometers recording day time and evening temperatures.
Despite the multiplicity of policies, plans, strategies, and numerous “talkshops” and workshops, conferences etc. on climate change etc. we are in many practical ways technically behind and inferior to what we had pre- and immediate post-independence era, up till the 1980s, on this subject.
The lack of data is a well-known limitation to addressing the challenge of climate change, and has limited the quality of our national plans, including the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and indeed most aspects of planning at all levels of governance in Nigeria.
If the sub-nationals were serious entities in Nigeria and sincere on their claims on climate governance and climate change policies and plans, they should urgently be restoring the collation of climate and weather data in all schools, and I add, in all churches in the area. Churches, because there is hardly any community in the southeast without a church. Of course this could be applied across Nigeria.
This is important because science recognises the need for high density data collection as there is very strong variation in weather and climate parameters over small areas. Unfortunately, the NRCRI data collated at Umudike has over decades been used as proxy for the entire region.
What does records at NRCRI Umudike show?
From the records at the NRCRI Umudike, dating over a century, we can confirm that the phenomenon this year has never been experienced. According to researchers at the NRCRI, “based on 103 years digitise meteorological records from the Umudike microclimate zone, a complete absence of Harmattan has not been previously observed.”
In the past the harmattan has never failed to happen. What has happened are harmattan of varying intensities or severities. Some years may be mild and some years may be more intense. But never has it failed to happen: “From our 103 years meteorological records for rain, temperature, wind, and dust parameters, no year within our dataset indicates a complete absence of Harmattan conditions. Observed variations reflect intensity fluctuations rather than total disappearance.”
In effect from scientific records the total or complete absence of harmattan has never been recorded.
Question 1: How do we explain this phenomenon/What could have caused this?
We could start by reflecting on wat triggers the harmattan and why has that trigger not happened, or if the trigger is still in place and acted, why did the harmattan-effect not happen? This is a challenge for atmospheric scientists and researchers.
It could be simplistic to attribute this to climate change. It may be, it may also not be. If what we experience December 2025/January 2026 becomes irreversible, not temporary, that is if we do not see a restoration of previous conditions in this period of the year, then we could place that in the realm of climate change. If that is not the case, that is, we see in December 2026/January 2027 and beyond the return of the long-term weather characteristics of these same parts of the world, then we could define what we now see as mere variability. If, however, we insist on this as the impact of climate change then we could see this as an extreme weather occurrence.
The rain in late December 2025 in several locations in Southeast
A case of extreme weather event. As reported from multiple locations in the southeast of Nigeria, in late December 2025 we had a few days of rains of varying intensity. In my home at Umuezeala-Nsu in the Ehime-Mbano LGA of Imo State, the rain was unusually heavy. While I recorded that by video, there was no rain gauge to have data on this in terms of millimeters of rainfall. In the same community in the 1970s the primary schools had rain gauges and wind vanes. We therefore limit to the inadequate statement of “heavy” rain.
Rainfall in December are not totally unseen in the past, but this time it was heavier than usual.
On the rainfall of December 29, 2025, researchers at NRCRI reported on how widespread the rainfall experienced was and if it has happened before, and if it has, was that also in the years with no harmattan. If yes, what followed in the next year?
– Their response: Within the Umudike microclimate zone under our coverage, no rainfall was recorded in December 2025, indicating strong spatial variability. However, historical records (1921–2025) show rare on 29th Decembers. Records we have for rainfall events 29th December are as follows: in 1929 (6.04 mm), 1934 (9.31 mm), 1958 (0.47 mm), and 1990 (0.10mm).”
In effect while we at Umuezeala-Nsu, approximately 20kms Northwest of Umudike experienced such heavy rainfall, Umudike did not. Refer again to the earlier statement on the need to increase the density of collection of weather data.
In the same locations around Umuezeala-Nsu in 2024, commencement of rainfall was delayed. Farmers had started operations only for the rain not to come when expected. Farmers lost. The same farmers expected delayed rains in 2025 and did not see the rains coming earlier. They delayed farming. Again, farmers lost.
Implications: Farmers do not like uncertainties. In rainfed cropping systems these adversely impact farmers. As these irregularities and swings have emerged as a new pattern, we can add a new impact of climate change as uncertainties in weather parameters.
Before now, the commonest mentioned impacts of climate change in the literatures have been:
Rising temperature;
Changing precipitation/rainfall regimes (commencement and duration, volume and intensity); and,
Increased frequencies of extreme weather events.
When we merge the steady lack of pattern on commencement dates for rainfall and now the harmattan absence phenomenon, we can add a fourth impact of climate change as
– Uncertainties on the direction of change on all parameters of weather and climate, simultaneously occurring. As a result, famers and other stakeholders cannot plan based on experiences as no weather parameter has a pattern any longer.
Outstanding are of course investigations on the triggers of no harmattan beyond climate change. What is it that usually happened in the global climate and atmospheric systems, and specifically, what triggers the northeast trade winds from the Sahara that leads to harmattan in West Africa, that did not happen this year? This should interest researchers and atmospheric scientists. Are there significant changes to the Sahara ecologies? How much of vegetative cover is there. Can the Greening of the Sahara be a way forward, and can the governments of West Africa do to/with the Sahara what some other parts of the world have done in greening their deserts? This opens new research questions on whether changing the Sahara land cover may be influencing regional wind systems.
Question 2: What should we expect this year?
Science is no voodoo, and we have to rely on what is known to model the future. However, since we have never had the absence of the harmattan, we do not stand on solid grounds to make statements on what we can expect this year. If we had such an experience in the past, we could easily fall back to referencing what followed the period of no harmattan.
We can only present a sample of responses from a few researchers and farmers on what to expect. These fall into two broad categories – biophysical and economic:
The commonest perception is that the harmattan prepares fruit trees for flowering and fruiting. Therefore, there is fear that in 2026 most fruit trees will perform less optimally. Reduced supply and increased cost may be coming.
There is fear that farmlands are having less leaves shed by trees (reduced fertility, sans bush burning), and more shrubs still green. Therefore, farmers have more work to do on land preparation. Labour, which has been a major challenge in terms of availability and cost will pose more challenges this year. It will be good to encourage farmers to stop bush burning. Unfortunately, public and private extension services are weak in the area.
Most farmers store cassava in the soil and harvest when needed. Cassava is a strategic food security crop in the area. With high soil temperatures farmers expect more rotten cassava tubers, and therefore less produce this year, and therefore higher costs of products from cassava produce.
Yams stored in barns will be adversely affected by higher temperature. The speed of yams rotting will be faster, and therefore less arriving in good form in the market in the course of the year, and therefore higher cost.
Question 3: What are the impacts?
On a positive note, we have seen less adverse health challenges unlike years with harmattan. These include respiratory issues like increased risk of colds, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia due to dust inhalation. We have seen less dry skin, cracked lips, and hair breakage. We also see less irritation of the eyes, as dust can cause red, itchy, watery eyes.
We see less fires outbreaks, and cancellation of flights dues to reduced visibility.
Are there other relevant or related information on these?
Several other unusual climatic features have recently been observed. Notably, the 2025 records show the longest August break since 1921. This underscores the increasing frequency of atypical weather patterns. The Agrometeorology Unit at the NRCRI Umudike maintains a fully digitised weather database spanning 1921–2025, which supports these observations. Data Source: Agrometeorology Unit National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike (NRCRI) (2026).
Responses from researchers at NRCRI on the December 2025/January 2026 Harmattan
The Harmattan season did not occur – are we still expecting it in view of climate change?
– “The Harmattan has not completely disappeared, but it has been delayed and weakened in many parts of Nigeria due to climate change. In places like Abia State and much of the southern region, the expected dry, dusty and cool conditions were replaced by warm and humid weather well into January. Some Harmattan influence is still being felt in parts of the country and may strengthen slightly, but it is likely to be shorter and less intense than in the past. Climate change is disrupting the traditional wind patterns from the Sahara, making Harmattan less predictable rather than entirely absent.”
2. Is this usual? Has this happened before?
– “Traditionally, Harmattan starts around November and peaks between December and January, so this delay is not normal. However, it is no longer rare. Similar delayed or weak Harmattan seasons have been recorded repeatedly over the last three to five years. While short-term variations have always occurred, the increasing frequency of these delays’ points to long-term climate change rather than a one-off event.”
3. Any implications on crop production, besides fruiting for horticultural/tree crops?
– “Yes, the implications go beyond delayed fruiting. In Abia State and other cassava-producing areas, reduced Harmattan dryness can help soils retain moisture, which may initially benefit cassava since it tolerates wetter conditions better than many cereals. However, prolonged warmth and humidity increase the risk of pests and diseases, including fungal infections and cassava pests. Higher temperatures also raise evaporation rates, leading to water stress later in the season. For staple crops like maize, millet and sorghum, these conditions can reduce yields unless farmers adapt through better water management or improved crop varieties. Planting calendars may also shift, affecting overall farm planning. Soon, Seasonal Climate Predictions will be published with onset, peak, and cessation dates, which will guide farm activities and help determine optimal planting dates in Nigeria.”
4. Is this scenario the same for far north/northern region?
– “No, the situation is not the same across Nigeria. The far northern and northern regions (such as Borno, Yobe and Kano) are experiencing more typical Harmattan conditions, including dry, dusty winds, low humidity and cooler temperatures. However, even in these areas, the Harmattan is reported to be milder or slightly delayed compared to historical norms. In contrast, the southern region, including Abia State, has experienced a more noticeable delay, with continued high humidity and warmer temperatures. This regional difference highlights how climate change is affecting Nigeria unevenly. “
Will it affect rainfall pattern? Researchers at NRCRI are currently working on rainfall pattern expected for 2026 in partnership with NIMET, and reported as follows:
“Analysis of post-Harmattan climatic responses—particularly rainfall onset, cessation, duration, intensity, and temperature – is ongoing. These aspects are being integrated into the upcoming Seasonal Climate Prediction developed in collaboration with NiMet, which will provide a more comprehensive outlook.”
Conclusion
While the complete absence of harmattan is worrisome as it suggests major alterations in natures balance, we may have to see what happens in the following
years to be conclusive on this. But while waiting we have to be prepared. We have to anticipate its effect on human health, agriculture, etc.
Appreciation
Dr. Ben Okoye, National Root Crops Umudike.
Dr. O. S. Chukwuemeka, Head Met Unit, NRCRI, Umudike.
Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (chnwajiuba@yahoo.de/+2348128498302) is Chairman, Board of West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted land Use (WASCAL); Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST); Development Planning and Research Institute (DPRI); Future Generations Institute (FGI)
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “over the failure to account for the missing or diverted N55.9 billion meant for the purchase of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other election materials for the 2019 general elections.”
The allegations are documented in the latest annual report published by the Auditor-General on September 9, 2025.
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to account for the missing or diverted ₦55.9 billion meant to buy smart card readers, ballot papers, and other election materials for the 2019 general elections.”
Prof. Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman
SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to disclose the names of all contractors paid the ₦55.9 billion for the procurement of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets, and other election materials for the 2019 general elections, including the names of their directors and shareholders.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “INEC must operate without corruption if the commission is to ensure free and fair elections in the country and uphold Nigerians’ right to participation.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “INEC cannot ensure impartial administration of future elections if these allegations are not satisfactorily addressed, perpetrators including the contractors involved are not prosecuted and the proceeds of corruption are not fully recovered.”
According to SERAP, “INEC cannot properly carry out its constitutional and statutory responsibilities to conduct free and fair elections in the country if it continues to fail to uphold the basic principles of transparency, accountability and the rule of law.”
SERAP is also arguing: “These allegations also constitute abuse of public office and show the urgent need by INEC to commit to transparency, accountability, clean governance and the rule of law.”
SERAP also said: “Allegations of corruption in the supply of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other election materials directly undermine Nigerians’ right to participate in elections that are free, fair, transparent, and credible.”
The lawsuit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, reads in part: “These grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and international anticorruption standards.
“According to the recently published 2022 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ‘irregularly paid’ over N5.3 billion (N5,312,238,499.39) ‘to a contractor for the supply of Smart Card Readers for the 2019 general elections.’
“The contract was awarded without prior approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Federal Executive Council. The payment was also ‘made without any document. There was no evidence of supplies to the commission.’
“INEC claimed approval was not sought because ‘the supply of smart card readers falls under national defence or national security and therefore exempted under the Procurement Act.’
“But the Auditor-General rejected the claim as ‘alien to the Procurement Act’ and stated that ‘INEC ought to have received a Certificate of No Objection from the BPP for the contract.’ He is concerned that the money ‘may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.
“INEC also reportedly ‘paid over N4.5 billion (N4,505,220,044.06) to six contractors for ballot papers/result sheets’, but ‘the payments were without any documentary evidence of supply from the contractors.’ There was ‘no evidence of advertisement, bid submission, bid evaluation, approvals and no Certificate of No Objection’.
“There was also ‘no evidence of the contractors’ eligibility’, as ‘INEC failed to show the contractors’ Tax clearance certificate, pension clearance certificate, NSITF certificate, ITF certificate of compliance, and BPP registration.’
“The Auditor-General is concerned that the money ‘may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.
“INEC paid over N331 million (N331,228,070.04) to ‘some contractors in doubtful circumstances as several payments had contradictory supporting documents.’
“The contract ‘for the supply of 25 pieces of generating sets was dated 28 December 2019 but the receipt for the payment was issued 12 months before the contract.’ The contractors ‘were paid even before the award of the contracts.’
“INEC claimed that these infractions are justified for the ‘Commission to ensure that the 2019 general elections were concluded and to avoid what would have been a deep constitutional crisis.’ But the Auditor-General considered the commission’s response ‘unsatisfactory.’”
“The Auditor-General is concerned that the money ‘may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.
“INEC also failed ‘to deduct over N2.1 billion (N2,193,484,804.06) of stamp duty from contractors between 2018 and 2019.’ There ‘were no justifiable reasons by the Commission for the failure to deduct and remit the stamp duty.’
“INEC claimed it did not receive ‘any circular requesting it to deduct stamp duty from contract payments to contractors’, but the Auditor-General considered the commission’s response ‘unsatisfactory.’
“The Auditor-General is concerned that the money ‘may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.
“INEC also failed to ‘retire over N630 million (N630,625,319.80) of cash advances granted to some officers of the Commission. Some officers ‘were granted multiple advances when the previous ones had not been retired.’ The Auditor-General is concerned that the money ‘may have been diverted.’
“The Commission also ‘awarded contracts of over N41 billion [N41,312,066,801.00] for the printing of ballot papers, result sheets, and voting point result sheets for various elections’, but ‘without due process.’ According to the Auditor-General, ‘there was no evidence that the contractors were eligible to carry out such contracts.’
“There ‘was also no evidence of previous work carried out by the contractors, as some of the contractors were Civil Engineering Constructions Company, Oil and Gas Company and Importer of Building Materials, among others.’
“The contracts ‘were also awarded without the Federal Executive Council’s approval, and ‘No Objection’ approval from the BPP.’ The Auditor-General is concerned that the money ‘may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.
“INEC also ‘irregularly awarded a contract for the supply of 4 Toyota Land Cruisers to the Commission for over N297 million (N297,777,776.00).’ The ‘contract was awarded without the approval by the Federal Executive Council.’
“The ‘market survey carried out showed that the price of Toyota Land Cruiser in 2019 was not above N50 million’, but the commission claimed it paid N74 million for each Toyota Land Cruiser.’
“The Auditor-General is concerned that the money ‘may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Isolated thunderstorms are forecast to sweep across much of Malawi this week, raising concerns in a country where flooding has already killed 36 people and displaced thousands since the rainy season began.
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services issued a forecast Saturday, January 10, 2026, warning of partly cloudy conditions coupled with isolated thunderstorms across most regions through Sunday, driven by northeasterly moist air masses moving over the landlocked southern African nation.
The timing is particularly worrisome for disaster management officials who have been scrambling to respond to what has become one of the most destructive rainy seasons in recent memory.
Part of the devastating floods in Malawi
More than 160,000 people across 29 districts have been affected by disasters including stormy rains, strong winds, flash floods and lightning since Sept. 1, according to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs.
Nkhotakota District has borne the brunt of the devastation, with more than 10,700 households affected, 11 deaths, 37 injuries and two people still missing.
The district is currently hosting 2,132 displaced households – approximately 9,600 people – in 12 emergency camps.
The weekend forecast calls for varying conditions across the country’s distinct geographic zones, with temperatures reaching as high as 32 degrees Celsius (about 90 degrees Fahrenheit) in the low-lying Shire Valley.
In the Shire Valley – areas along the Shire River and around Lakes Chilwa and Chiuta – forecasters predict partly cloudy conditions Saturday night and Sunday morning, transitioning to hot conditions with localised showers in the afternoon.
Temperatures in Ngabu are expected to range from a minimum of 24°C (75°F) to a maximum of 32°C.
The Southern Highlands, encompassing Blantyre, Zomba, Mulanje, Thyolo and surrounding areas, will see milder conditions with temperatures in Blantyre ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82°F).
The forecast calls for mild and partly cloudy conditions overnight, shifting to cloudy with isolated showers in the afternoon.
Central areas including Lilongwe, the capital, along with Mchinji, Ntchisi, Dowa, Kasungu and parts of Mzimba District face partly cloudy conditions coupled with thunderstorms over scattered areas in the afternoon.
Lilongwe temperatures will range from 19°C (66°F) to 26°C (79°F).
Lakeshore communities – Mangochi, Salima, Nkhotakota, Nkhata Bay, Likoma and Karonga – can expect partly cloudy conditions with isolated thunderstorms both overnight and during the day, with thunderstorms developing over scattered areas in the afternoon.
Mangochi will see temperatures from 23°C (73°F) to 29°C (84°F).
Northern areas excluding the lakeshore will experience mild and partly cloudy conditions overnight, transitioning to partly cloudy and warm with isolated showers over scattered areas in the afternoon.
Mzuzu temperatures will range from 18°C (64°F) to 26°C (79°F).
Winds will be generally from the northeast but gusty in areas experiencing storms, forecasters warned.
Monday’s outlook calls for continued partly cloudy conditions with isolated thunderstorms.
The meteorological service’s forecast takes on added significance given that flash flood warnings remain in effect for 14 districts: Nkhotakota, Salima, Mzimba, Kasungu, Nkhata Bay, Dowa, Mchinji, Ntchisi, Mzuzu, Likoma, Machinga, Mangochi, Zomba and Balaka.
Defense Minister, Feston Kaufa, who visited hard-hit Nkhotakota last week, reported that torrential rains caused the Dwangwa River to overflow with unprecedented force, rising to 3,200 cubic meters and unleashing flooding the district had never experienced before.
The disaster management department has been distributing food and non-food relief items to affected communities, with local search and recovery operations continuing in Nkhotakota District.
The national search and rescue team remains on high alert, with standby arrangements in place to deploy to at-risk areas.
Aid organisations have mobilised to support overwhelmed local authorities. Wandikweza, a Malawian child and maternal health organisation, delivered emergency relief on Wednesday to flood survivors at Kalimanjira Camp, providing maize flour, hygiene kits and waterproof tarpaulins to address urgent needs.
The flooding crisis comes as Malawi implements a 209 billion kwacha (about $121 million) Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme following a difficult farming season marked by erratic rainfall that worsened food insecurity nationwide.
Heavy rains since late December have compounded the crisis, damaging infrastructure, including collapsed bridges and washed-away road diversions that have cut access for thousands of residents.
For a country where subsistence agriculture supports most of the population and where infrastructure remains fragile despite years of development efforts, the combination of immediate flood damage and longer-term food insecurity presents compounding challenges that will likely persist long after the rains stop.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command says it has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained fight against violent crime with the arrest of three notorious armed robbery suspects involved in “one-chance” criminal operations and the gruesome murder of a legal practitioner, Barrister Chigbo Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix.
The arrest followed directives issued by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, PSC, to ensure that all perpetrators connected to the murder of the victim and other similar crimes within the FCT are swiftly identified and brought to justice.
Between January 5 and 10, 2026, operatives of the Command’s Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, acting on reconstructive digital intelligence, tracked the victim’s mobile phone and conducted follow up operations at Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Dan-Tata communities within Kubwa Area of the FCT.
The late Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo
These intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of the following suspects:
1. Saifullahi Yusuf (Male, 22 years) – from Kaduna State, resident at Dan-Tata Community, Dei-Dei, Abuja.
2. Ishau Yusuf (Male, 24 years) – from Kaduna State, resident at Dan-Tata Community, Dei-Dei, Abuja.
3. Minka’ilu Jibril, also known as Dan-Hajia – from, Kaduna State.
The first and second suspects are said to be biological brothers.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious “one-chance” armed robbery syndicate that has been operating on and off within the FCT for several years, particularly during festive periods.
Further investigations revealed that, on January 5, 2026, at about 5:50 p.m., Barr. Princess Chigbo unknowingly boarded their black Volkswagen Golf 3 vehicle along the Kubwa Expressway, unaware that the occupants were criminals. Upon entry into the vehicle, the suspects wound up the tinted windows and threatened the victim with weapons in an attempt to force her to pay ransom for her own release. When she allegedly refused to cooperate, she was physically assaulted and pushed out of the moving vehicle along the Kubwa Expressway, resulting in her death.
The suspects further admitted to dispossessing the victim of her Android mobile phone, which was later sold at Dei-Dei for the sum of ₦120,000. From which: Minka’ilu Jibril received ₦30,000, Saifullahi Yusuf received ₦15,000, and Ishau Yusuf and another suspect currently at large, Musa, shared the remaining amount.
During the arrest, the following exhibits were recovered from the suspects: five scissors, two sharp dagger knives, two knives, one long chain used for restraining victims, and one plier.
These items are believed to have been used in the commission of their criminal activities.
Investigation is ongoing, stated the Police, adding that intensive efforts are in top gear to apprehend the remaining suspect currently at large, as well as to uncover any additional criminal networks linked to the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, PSC, commends the professionalism and dedication of the operatives involved and reassured residents of the FCT that the Command remained resolute in its commitment to rid the Territory of criminal elements.
The Police advised members of the public to remain vigilant, avoid boarding unregistered or suspicious vehicles, and promptly report any suspicious activities through the Commands emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653.
SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, Abuja, disclosed that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
Meanwhile, major groups which late Barrister Princess Mediatrix Nwamaka Chigbo was aligned with, have rolled out a programme of activities to honour her before her corpse is taken to her home state, Anambra.
The groups, who have announced their activities, are the Blessed Iwene Tansi Catholic Community of St. Mary John Vianney (SJMV) Lugbe, Abuja, and Global Association of Female Attorneys (GAFA).
According to SJMV, there will be a three-day prayers, hymns and Requiem Mass for late Barrister Chigbo at SJMV Catholic Church, Lugbe, Abuja, F.C.T.
The activities will begin on Monday, January 12, by 5.30pm and will be led by Sacred Heart Society. This will be followed by evening Mass.
On Tuesday, January 13, Iwene Tansi Community will lead the prayers starting by 5.30pm and end with the celebration of evening Mass.
On Wednesday, January 14, there will be Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of late Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo to round off the prayer sessions starting 6.00pm.
On Thursday, January 15, Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Procathedral, Area 3, Abuja, will celebrate Requiem Mass for the soul of late Barrister Chigbo. All the society she belongs such as Infant Jesus, Mother of Perpetual Help, Legion of Mary, Divine Mercy are expected to be at the Mass.
The Requiem Mass will begin by 6pm.
Additionally, the Global Association of Female Attorneys will host a night of tribute on Friday, January 16, to honour the life, legacy, and cherished memories of Princess Mediatrix Chigbo.
According to Chinelo Virginia Iriele, president, Global Association of Female Attorneys, “This will be a moment of reflection, remembrance, and mutual support as we celebrate a life well lived and bid her a peaceful farewell.
“Though words may never fully capture the depth of our sorrow, your presence will mean a great deal to us as we come together to honour her enduring impact and beautiful legacy.”
The venue for the night of tribute is Delight Garden and Park, Plot 990, Joshua Madaki Close, Apo Zone E, by Start-Rite School, Abuja.
The event will start by 4:00pm and the dress code is black.
Realnews reports that the late Barrister Chigbo’s family announced the death of Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo, an Abuja-based lawyer, at the hands of still-to-be-identified kidnappers in the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Nwamaka was the elder sister of Dr. Maureen Chigbo, Editor/Publisher of Nigeria’s pioneer online Realnews Magazine, Barrister Mrs. Anthonia Ejenike of the Ministry of Justice, and Nwakaego Chigbo. Her brothers are Celestine Chigbo of Jogene Enterprises and Gerald Chigbo of Sparklinks Nigeria Ltd.
According to a statement by the Chigbo’s family, Nwamaka, before her abduction, was on the phone with Anthonia, another sister, who briefly interrupted the call to attend to a client.
“When Anthonia reverted, Nwamaka’s phone was still live, with her distress cry heard in the background before the phone suddenly went dead and unreachable,” the statement added.
“Anthonia alerted her elder sister, Maureen Chigbo, and other family members, who called the lawyer’s number repeatedly to reach her or her abductors to no avail,” the statement continued, adding: “When a call finally went through, a male voice rained curses in English and Hausa language, saying: “Thunder fire you there, send three million Naira or else we will kill her.”
According to the statement, the captors gave no further details and abruptly terminated subsequent calls.
The family contacted the police, who sprang into action, assuring that they were tracking the kidnappers, who were said to be “in motion and would likely drop the lawyer off once they might have collected the ransom,” the statement further said.
“The kidnappers never initiated any calls, and when Nwamaka’s family members reached them through her phone for clarification on how the ransom would be paid, they only heard the lawyer screaming in pain, “I am dying. …save me, please send the money, I am dying,” before the phone finally went dead again,” the statement added.
While making frantic efforts for Nwamaka’s rescue, the family said, they were informed on Tuesday, January 6, that “a lady had been found in a critical condition and taken to an Abuja specialist hospital.”
According to the statement, Maureen “immediately took a flight from Lagos to Abuja and on reaching the hospital, saw her sister’s lifeless body in the mortuary with bruises, swollen eyes and a cracked skull, all signs of a tortured death.”
The Chigbo family has met with the Police authorities, who assured them that the case was under investigation and that the culprits would be apprehended, the statement added.
Nwamaka was a former Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja, a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and the Global Association of Female Lawyers (GAFA). She had also served as President of the Catholic Lawyers Association, Abuja Branch.
A devout Catholic, Nwamaka authored a book on Infant Jesus, and until her death, was the vice president of the Infant Jesus Association, and a member of the Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Group.
According to the statement, her family has expressed its “gratitude to the Police for their efforts and cooperation so far, and urges the force to ensure that justice is served in Nwamaka’s case.”
The family also thanked “Nwamaka’s friends, colleagues and well-wishers for their support and prayers,” the statement said, adding that her funeral arrangements “will be announced as soon as possible.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has described the N3.69 billion Chief Reuben Fasoranti Park project by the state government as misplaced and insensitive to the economic plight of the people.
The state Chairman of PDP, Mr. Modupe Aisida, made the views known in an interview on Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Akure, the state capital.
The state government had in April 2025 approved N3.69 billion for the upgrade and vertical enhancement of the park, located directly opposite the Governor’s Office Complex, Alagbaka, Akure.
Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State
Aisida argued that there were many pressing issues that should be focused on by the government and not a park that would gulp one per cent of the total capital expenditure of the state’s 2026 budget.
“They said that the Chief Reuben Fasoranti Park project opposite Governor’s Office is being done at the cost of N3.69 billion.
“That means that one per cent of the capital expenditure of the state’s budget in 2026 with people of six million is being spent on a park in front of Governor’s Office.
“And if you want to build a park, should it be opposite government secretariat where they are doing serious work, a power house of government.
“Park should be a place of relaxation where people think they can be on their own. It’s really laughable.
“This is a state where you have countless dilapidated school buildings; there are some health centres where you go and cry for the state. So, we need this money for serious things and not for a park,” he stated.
He decried the neglect of critical projects by the state government, saying that life impactful projects should have been the focus of Gov. Aiyedatiwa-led administration not “a mere relaxation centre.”
“We have housing deficit in the state except we want to deceive ourselves; that is why many companies are running around.
“They want to create estates because the government is not being proactive. Government used to do this in the past.
“What the state government is busy doing is chasing away civil servants living in Alagbaka and talking about building houses for political office holders.
“I wont criticise the government because I am the chairman of the opposition party. For me as a person, if I want to rate the state governor, it’s a straight F.
“I will always be objective in analysing issues and I will say which areas Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has done much, but I’m trying to find the area and I’m yet to really pick it out,” he said.
According to him, it’s disappointing that the Shagari Estate flyover project is yet to be completed after over two years.
When our correspondent called the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, on his cell phone for reaction, someone who picked the call said he was unavailable.
Work has started on the Seventh Axial Road behind the Dangote Refinery, linking the Lekki Deep Sea Port corridor to Sagamu, Ogun State.
The Engineer’s Representative, Mr. Damola Oyeneye, told the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, that the contractor had mobilised to site.
Oyeneye spoke during Umahi’s inspection tour on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
Minister of Works, David Umahi
China Harbour Engineering Company is the contractor executing the project.
“We have cleared six kilometres. Of the 12km stretch, about four kilometres are swampy, while the remainder is dry farmland.
“We are currently undertaking deep soil cleaning and sandfilling,” Oyeneye said.
Mr. Musa Saidu, a director at the Ministry of Works, said clearing had started from the coastal road under Lot One.
“They will begin filling on the alignment, which will be rigid pavement. The work, as seen, is progressing well,” he said.
Mr. Wang Jijun, Project Manager, said the firm is handling Lot One, covering site clearing, backfilling and topsoil removal.
“We have 33 units on site, but more than 120 pieces of equipment will be deployed,” Wang said.
He said lagoon sand would be sourced under four licences, following testing, to avoid community and ecological disruption.
Dr Eugene Itua of Natural Eco Capital said the project is registered with the environment ministry, with interim clearance approved and ESIA disclosure imminent.
He added that lagoon-crossing modelling and community engagement are ongoing.
