The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting that a recent explosion in Abuja was the result of a suicide bombing, describing such claims as deliberate misinformation aimed at instilling fear among residents and undermining government reforms.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects, Wike clarified that security agencies had found no evidence linking the incident to terrorism.
“No security agency has confirmed that it was a suicide bomber,” he said. “People must stop creating unnecessary fear in the minds of residents. What happened was that someone took an explosive—typically used for quarry blasting—and put it in his pocket. It exploded. That is not terrorism.”
He warned individuals and groups against using misinformation as a tool to blackmail the FCT Administration, emphasizing that such tactics would not derail the government’s ongoing developmental efforts.
“The FCT Administration is doing everything possible to ensure the security of lives and property,” Wike said, calling for public cooperation and more responsible reporting from the media.
The Minister also used the occasion to highlight key projects nearing completion, including the N5 Road in Life Camp, the Guzape Interchange, and the renovated International Conference Centre.
He commended the contractors for adhering to project timelines and delivering high standards, noting that the visible progress is a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure renewal.
“This is the development the President promised—real change through quality road infrastructure and we are delivering,” Wike said.
***Vows Bigger Otukpo Carnival , Stronger Girl-Child Support
As Nigeria celebrates the 2025 Universal Children’s Day, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable Blessing Onuh, has called for stricter penalties against crimes targeting minors, especially sexual abuse. She also renewed her commitment to child education, girl-child empowerment, and the annual Otukpo Children Carnival.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Hon. Onuh emphasized that Nigerian children are a national treasure deserving of love, care, and robust protection.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Little Footsteps, Big Future,” she described it as both timely and motivational. “As a mother and aspiring grandmother, I delightfully celebrate children across the nation today. They are the future of our society, and we must do all we can to guide them to greatness,” she said.
The former Secretary for Social Development at the FCT Administration decried the rising cases of child abuse and rape, insisting that offenders must face the full weight of the law. “Anyone who assaults a minor should be dealt with decisively. The future of this country must be protected,” she stated.
Hon. Onuh called on all tiers of government to prioritize education, particularly for the girl child. “Gone are the days when girls were confined to domestic duties or early marriage. Women who were once girls are now breaking barriers globally,” she said.
She announced plans to make the 18th edition of her flagship initiative, the Otukpo Children Carnival, even bigger and more impactful. “Last year’s edition was grand, and by God’s grace, this year’s will be even more memorable for our children,” she said.
The two-term federal lawmaker commended the National Assembly for supporting legislation that protects children and praised the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, for her passionate drive in advancing child welfare in Nigeria.
Encouraging children nationwide, Hon. Onuh urged them to stay focused on their dreams, study hard, and remain hopeful for a brighter future.
Grants 14-Day Grace to Settle Debts, Penalties Pegged by Location
Property Owners Get 41 Days to Register Titles, Obtain Minister’s Consent
By TOYIN ADEBAYO, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened in the planned revocation of 4,794 properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), offering a 14-day grace period for owners to clear long-standing ground rent arrears and avoid permanent loss of their properties.
The revoked titles, some of which have unpaid dues ranging from 10 to 43 years, span properties owned by government agencies, corporate entities, and private individuals. The move initially announced by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) was part of a sweeping enforcement effort aimed at restoring fiscal discipline and compliance in land administration.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the Director of Lands, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said the President’s timely intervention was intended to offer a final window of relief to affected property owners.
> “By Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days, that is, two weeks, to settle all outstanding ground rents with the associated penalties,” he stated.
Penalties Based on Property Location
According to the Lands Department, the penalties for defaulters vary by location:
Central Area – N5 million plus the full arrears
Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, Guzape – N3 million plus arrears
Wuse I, Garki I, Garki II – N2 million plus arrears
In addition to settling outstanding rent, all new property owners who have not obtained the mandatory Minister’s Consent or registered their Deeds of Assignment now have a 41-day deadline to comply. The directive is part of an intensified effort to formalize property ownership and update the FCTA’s land records.
14-Day Grace for Rights of Occupancy Bills
In a parallel move, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has approved a 14-day grace period for all property owners in the territory to pay up outstanding Rights of Occupancy bills or risk revocation.
Mr. Nwankwoeze explained:
> “The Minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as and when due, to enable the government to continue executing developmental projects for the benefit of residents.”
The revocation and penalty framework is part of broader reforms aimed at sanitizing land administration, boosting internally generated revenue, and ensuring accountability in the use of Abuja’s valuable urban space.
In a sweeping enforcement operation on Monday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) sealed the premises of Access Bank, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Ibro Hotel, and Total Energy in Abuja over decades of unpaid ground rent.
The clampdown marks the commencement of the FCTA’s aggressive drive to recover over 4,700 properties recently revoked for non-compliance with land-use obligations, particularly long-standing ground rent arrears.
The exercise kicked off in Wuse District, led by the Director of Development Control, Tpl. Mukhtar Galadima, alongside officials from the Department of Land Administration. The action followed a public notice by the FCTA vowing to repossess all revoked properties.
At the sealing of Plot 534, Cadastral Zone A02, Wuse Zone 1—occupied by Total Energy—Galadima stated: “Today is about walking the talk. We made our intentions public, and this is the implementation. This property has over 10 years of unpaid ground rent, leading to its revocation in March 2025.”
Another property sealed was the Access Bank branch on Plot 2456, Wuse 1, Cadastral Zone A02. While the bank occupies the premises, the property is owned by Rana Taher Furniture Nigeria Limited and has a 34-year debt backlog.
Galadima confirmed that similar enforcement would extend to the Central Area and other districts in the coming days. “Any allottee who fails to settle outstanding liabilities risks losing their title. The warning is clear,” he said.
Director of Land Administration, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, reinforced the legal basis of the action. “This building is occupied by Access Bank, but the registered owner is a private firm. With 34 years of unpaid rent, the title has legally reverted to the government,” he explained.
He also disclosed that the FIRS building in Wuse Zone 5 was sealed for failing to pay ground rent for 25 years. “This is just the beginning. We’re targeting over 4,794 properties affected by revocation,” he said.
According to Nwankwoeze, once a title is revoked, all occupants—regardless of current use—must vacate or resolve their legal standing with the FCTA.
Under the leadership of FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike, the administration has prioritized land administration reforms and aggressive revenue generation from ground rent collections.
The FCTA has urged residents, businesses, and institutions to verify their land title status and settle outstanding obligations to avoid similar disruptions.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday sealed Wadata Plaza, the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over non-payment of ground rent spanning more than 25 years.
The enforcement is part of an ongoing FCTA drive to recover over N6 billion owed in ground rent from over 4,700 properties across the capital city.
Wadata Plaza, though currently occupied by the PDP, is owned by Senator Sama’ila Mamman Kofi. The property was among those officially revoked in March 2025 for prolonged default.
Speaking during the enforcement, Director of Land Administration, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said due process was strictly followed. “We don’t deal with tenants. The property owner was duly served the revocation notice on March 14, which was also pasted on the premises. We are here to take physical possession,” he said.
Nwankwoeze further clarified that legal responsibility lies solely with the registered property owner. “For instance, FIRS is occupying a building owned by Fortunate Trades Limited. Until they register ownership, we can’t recognise them as the legal owner,” he said.
Amid speculation over political undertones, Special Senior Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Mr. Lere Olayinka, dismissed such claims.
“This is not about politics. It’s a city-wide enforcement involving banks, hotels, filling stations, and other commercial properties. PDP just happens to be one of the occupants,” Olayinka stated.
He emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency and fairness. “We maintain comprehensive records. Some of these debts date back 28 years. If anyone claims to have paid, let them provide official receipts issued by the Lands Department. Without documentation, such claims cannot be verified,” he added.
A PDP administrative officer, Mr. Kabiru Magaji, appealed for leniency during the operation. “This is a democratic era. We plead that vehicles and sensitive belongings be allowed to be moved out peacefully. Civility must guide this process,” he urged.
On whether sealed properties could be reclaimed, Olayinka noted the decision rests solely with the FCT Minister. “As of today, the properties legally belong to the FCTA. Any appeal must be directed to the Minister, who has the authority to review and make a decision,” he said.
The FCTA said the operation will continue throughout the week, targeting more defaulters in its bid to enforce compliance and boost internally generated revenue.
…Blacklisting for CBT Centres Involved in Irregularities, Malpractices—JAMB
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) resit conducted for candidates affected by technical glitches during the initial exam.
A total of 315,763 candidates sat for the rescheduled examination, following JAMB’s acknowledgment of system failures that compromised the earlier session. The board stated that of the 336,845 candidates who were scheduled for the resit—including those from centres later disqualified—21,082 were absent.
In a statement issued on Sunday, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, disclosed that the release of results followed a comprehensive review by the Board’s Chief External Examiners (CEEs) during a high-level meeting.
The CEEs’ meeting, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria and CEE for the FCT, Prof. Olufemi Peters, also engaged the expertise of psychometrics professor, Boniface Nworgu, to validate the integrity of the results before release.
The statement also revealed that the Board had identified a disturbing trend of malpractices and fraudulent behaviour involving some candidates, school proprietors, tutorial centres, and Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
Key decisions from the meeting include:
Underage Candidates: Results of underage candidates, previously withheld, are being released as part of a reconciliatory gesture. However, such candidates remain ineligible for admission as they had earlier signed undertakings confirming their awareness of the minimum age and academic requirements.
Candidates Involved in Exam Malpractices: Some candidates were found to have participated in “WhatsApp runs” and other unethical practices. JAMB emphasized that while their results are released, the move does not legitimize their actions and serves only as a one-time waiver. Future misconduct will attract severe sanctions.
Blacklisting of CBT Centres: All CBT centres found complicit in registration and examination fraud will be blacklisted. Owners may face prosecution. Individuals involved in altering candidates’ biometric data and photographs are also being tracked for arrest and legal action.
Regulation of Tutorial Centres: The Board raised concern over the growing influence of unregulated tutorial centres in promoting examination malpractice. It called on federal and state governments to license and monitor such institutions more effectively.
Mop-Up Exam for Absentees: Candidates who missed the resit or original UTME for any reason will be allowed to participate in JAMB’s annual mop-up exam as a final opportunity.
While acknowledging the contribution of CBT to reducing exam malpractice, the board also noted gaps in the accreditation process for CBT centres. It recommended the engagement of a reputable management consulting firm to enhance operational procedures, including accreditation and registration systems.
JAMB reiterated its commitment to transparency, integrity, and the continuous reform of Nigeria’s examination and admission processes.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a scathing critique of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, accusing his administration of operating under a veil of secrecy regarding the cost of key projects and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) figures, just ahead of his second anniversary in office.
The party, in a strongly worded statement released on Sunday in Abuja by its Abia State Publicity Secretary, Mazi Eric Ikwuagwu, alleged that voices once aligned with Otti’s government are now raising red flags over financial mismanagement and lack of accountability.
The statement, titled “Calls for Accountability Mount as Critics Challenge Abia State’s Financial Management Under Governor Otti”, criticized the administration for being intolerant of constructive opposition and for attempting to silence critical voices instead of addressing concerns transparently.
Highlighting examples, Ikwuagwu cited Engr. Eke O. Ako, a respected Abia-born engineer based in Scotland who had been a vocal critic of the previous Ikpeazu administration. According to him, Engr. Ako, once hailed as a symbol of integrity by Otti and his allies, is now being smeared and accused of partisanship for applying the same scrutiny to the current government.
“Engr. Ako was never accused of being sponsored when he criticized former Governor Ikpeazu,” Ikwuagwu said. “Today, simply because he is demanding answers from the Otti-led administration, he is labelled a political tool. That’s hypocrisy at its peak. Eke Ako is not for sale.”
The PDP spokesperson also referenced Chief Obinna Oriaku, a former finance commissioner under the past administration, known for his outspoken stance on public finance. “Oriaku was once celebrated by the very people in power today as bold and uncompromising. Now, because he’s exposing what he describes as unprecedented looting under Otti’s leadership, he’s being vilified,” Ikwuagwu said.
He further alleged that both men have based their criticisms on data extracted from the government’s own official publications, such as quarterly budget performance reports.
“From these reports, questions have emerged around expenditures such as N6.5 billion on recreational facilities, N10 billion on capacity building, N7 billion on ICT infrastructure, and N54 billion on the renovation of non-existent public schools—a combined figure exceeding N200 billion,” he stated.
The PDP also questioned the justification for N36.5 billion allegedly spent on the 5.7km Port Harcourt Road, translating to over N6.1 billion per kilometre, claiming it to be the most expensive road project in Africa.
“Rather than provide clarifications or rebuttals to these serious allegations, the administration has focused on discrediting the messengers, leaving the core issues unaddressed,” Ikwuagwu said. “No press statement, no official response—only coordinated media distractions.”
The party accused the state government of diverting attention from the revelations by staging publicity stunts and alleged media manipulation, warning that “no amount of PR or foreign media involvement can erase the facts or suppress the demand for transparency.”
“The people of Abia deserve honest answers, not political theatrics. Accountability is not optional—it’s a democratic obligation,” the statement concluded.
…Confirms Meetings with Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Amaechi, Others
National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralphs Nwosu, has revealed that discussions on forming a broad political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections are expected to be concluded within the next one or two weeks.
Speaking in an interview over the weekend, Nwosu confirmed that committees set up by the party had already held consultations with key political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai.
He noted that the party had been actively engaging in grassroots mobilization and strategic discussions over the past 16 months, emphasizing the need for a “patriot’s coalition” in response to the nation’s pressing challenges.
“ADC has been at the forefront of this process, building from the ground up. The situation in the country demands either a citizen’s revolt or a coalition of patriots. We chose the path of responsible transformation,” Nwosu stated.
The ADC chairman, who also heads the party’s National Consultative Organ, explained that different arms of the coalition effort are being coordinated by key leaders within the party. According to him, Dr. Bamidele Jamilu Jade, Deputy National Chairman, is liaising with some political parties, while Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad is handling engagements with other political stakeholders.
“Our committees have met with almost all major 2023 presidential aspirants and candidates, including Rotimi Amaechi. Dr. Ahmad has also held discussions with various political parties,” Nwosu revealed.
He dismissed claims that the ADC is simply being used as a political “molue” or multipurpose vehicle for ambitious politicians. “At the Arewa House summit in Kaduna, we made it clear—ADC is not a political taxi for anyone’s ambition. That’s what weakens democratic structures in Nigeria.”
On the sensitive issue of zoning the presidency within the proposed coalition, Nwosu said consultations are ongoing. He acknowledged differing opinions from youth groups and stakeholders but stressed that ADC is not driven by ethnic or regional considerations.
“I’ve heard many youth groups say it’s the South’s turn. But I’ve also listened to others who say that since 1999, the South has held power for 17 years, and the North for 11 years. If the South retains power after Tinubu, it becomes 22 to 11. We don’t encourage regional division in ADC. Our structure doesn’t include North-South designations. Our Deputy National Chairmen are assigned based on function, not geography.”
Nwosu emphasized that the party has distributed its constitutional guidelines and value-based pamphlets to leaders involved in the coalition talks to ensure alignment with the ADC’s vision of inclusive, issues-based politics.
“We are laying a foundation for a new political order—one that transcends ethnicity, religion, and opportunism. What we seek is transformation, not transaction.”
As the coalition talks enter the final phase, all eyes will be on the ADC and its partners to see if a credible third force can emerge ahead of the 2027 general elections.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic reforms in the solid minerals sector have triggered a six-fold revenue increase and attracted over $800 million in new investments, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has revealed.
Speaking during a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking the administration’s second anniversary, Dr. Alake said the solid minerals sector generated over ₦38 billion in 2024, a dramatic rise from ₦6 billion in 2023, despite receiving just 18% of its ₦29 billion budgeted allocation.
“This is a testament to the power of the reforms introduced by President Tinubu. We insisted on value addition—no more raw mineral exports. If you don’t have a processing plan, you don’t get a license,” Alake stated.
Among the headline investments:
A $600 million lithium processing plant near the Kaduna-Niger border set for commissioning this quarter,
A $200 million lithium refinery outside Abuja nearing completion,
Two more lithium processing plants in Nasarawa State, due before Q3 2025.
Dr. Alake highlighted the administration’s drive to transform Nigeria from a raw material exporter to a hub of value-added mining activities. “The days of pit-to-port exportation are over,” he declared.
Already in Q1 2025, two regulatory agencies—the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) and Mines Inspectorate—have posted ₦6.9 billion and ₦7 billion in revenue respectively, paving the way for what the Minister called a “record-breaking year” for the sector.
A major budgetary allocation of ₦1 trillion for mineral exploration has also been earmarked to develop internationally certified geological data.
“Without reliable data, investors won’t come. When we took office, Nigeria had spent just $2 million on exploration—compared to $40 million in Sierra Leone and over $300 million in South Africa. That’s changing now,” the Minister said.
As part of the Ministry’s Seven-Point Agenda, Dr. Alake said over 300 illegal miners were arrested in 2024, with 150 prosecutions ongoing and nine convictions secured—including foreign nationals.
“We’re using a dual approach: enforcement through Mining Marshals, and empowerment via cooperatives,” he explained. Over 250 mining cooperatives have now been established, absorbing artisanal miners into the formal economy and enabling them to access funding and revenue-sharing frameworks.
On the diplomatic front, Dr. Alake revealed that Nigeria now chairs the African Mineral Strategy Group, formed to champion local value addition and fair trade terms for African countries. The initiative was birthed at the 2024 Future Minerals Conference in Riyadh.
“Nigeria is leading the call: no more raw exports without beneficiation. We’re setting the tone for Africa,” he affirmed.
Global interest is growing. The former UK Deputy Prime Minister invited Dr. Alake to 10 Downing Street for high-level talks on Nigeria’s lithium potential. The U.S., looking to reduce its reliance on China, has also shown keen interest in Nigeria’s critical minerals.
With over 10,000 license applications received by the MCO this quarter alone, the Minister said investor confidence is at an all-time high.
“This level of vitality has never been witnessed in Nigeria’s mining sector. We’re enforcing the law, attracting FDI, building data, and creating jobs. The sector is now a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda,” Dr. Alake concluded.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has announced his withdrawal from all previously agreed resolutions aimed at resolving the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State of betrayal and deliberate sabotage.
In a statement personally signed and titled “PDP Crisis: My Position,” Wike expressed disappointment over what he described as serial violations of gentleman’s agreements reached by PDP stakeholders to stabilize the party. He vowed to continue the struggle until justice prevails.
“I have now firmly decided to pull out of all agreements hitherto reached. I have decided to fight on until justice is attained,” Wike said.
The former Rivers State governor recounted a series of high-level meetings, including a G5 Governors’ session in Lagos and a broader reconciliation dialogue at former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s guest house in Abuja. According to Wike, those meetings produced critical resolutions, such as the reaffirmation of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary—based on a Supreme Court judgment—and the withdrawal of all legal cases involving Rivers State.
However, Wike said those agreements were disregarded almost immediately. He accused Makinde of colluding with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to push for Ude Okoye as a replacement for Senator Anyanwu and of engineering moves to subvert internal party processes.
“To my utter dismay, Governor Makinde teamed up with Peter Mbah to convene a South-East leaders’ meeting that threatened to pull out of the PDP if Ude Okoye was not imposed as Secretary,” Wike stated.
He also alleged that some PDP officials, under the influence of Makinde, tried to legitimize unauthorized party actions, including issuing NEC meeting notices and electoral correspondence through the Deputy National Secretary instead of the legally recognized National Secretary, leading to the collapse of the zonal congress in Jos after INEC refused to participate.
Wike, who has been with the PDP since 1998, said he had contributed significantly to the party’s survival and to the electoral victories of many governors but has never demanded personal rewards.
“What is more painful is that I contributed substantially to most of these governors winning their elections, yet I have not made any personal demands on any of them and I would never do so,” he stressed.
Concluding, Wike warned that the continued violation of internal agreements will only deepen the PDP’s crisis, and he has therefore resolved to distance himself from further negotiations and pursue justice by all means.
The minister’s latest outburst adds fuel to the already raging fire within the PDP, signaling a renewed internal struggle that could reshape the party’s future direction.
