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Aircraft grounded by Burkina Faso on ferry mission to Portugal – NAF

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Aircraft grounded by Burkina Faso on ferry mission to Portugal – NAF

THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has revealed that its C-130 aircraft grounded by the Burkina Faso authorities was on a ferry mission to Portugal.

It said the flight made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, on Monday December 8, following a technical concern observed shortly after takeoff from Lagos.

In a statement released on Tuesday December 9, the Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, Ehimen Ejodame, an air commodore, said the decision to land in the junta-led country was “in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025. 

“Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated  a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities,” Ejodame said.

The Air Force emphasised that the mission would resume as scheduled and reaffirmed its commitment to strict adherence to operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the welfare of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate.

“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate,” he added.

According to him, officials are currently liaising with Burkina Faso authorities to facilitate the continuation of the flight, highlighting strong bilateral cooperation between the two countries in aviation safety matters.

The NAF reassured the public that no lives were at risk and that the diversion was purely precautionary.

The ICIR reported that the Confederation of Sahel States confirmed that a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft transporting 11 military personnel was compelled to land as all crew members were arrested after allegedly entering the country’s airspace without authorisation.

The Burkinabe authorities said that a review it conducted found that the aircraft entered the country’s airspace without securing the mandatory overflight clearance.

“An investigation was immediately opened by the competent Burkinabe services and highlighted the lack of authorisation to fly over Burkinabe territory for this military apparatus,” it added.

The statement added that the AES air and anti-aircraft defence systems had been placed on maximum alert, with clearance to neutralise any aircraft that breaches AES-controlled airspace.

“On the instructions of the Heads of State… the air and anti-aircraft defences of the confederal space were authorised to neutralise any aircraft that would violate the confederal space,” the statement read.

Describing the incident as “a violation of sovereignty,” the AES vowed to protect its airspace from further incursions.

“The Confederation of the Sahel States most strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.

“Faced with this unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law and international civil and/or military aviation rules, arrangements are made to guarantee the security of the Confederal airspace, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its Member States, as well as the safety of the populations of the Confederation AES,” it stated.

Burkina Faso and other former French colonies in the region like Mali and Niger have withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a post-colonial institution similar to the Commonwealth.

The trio first announced their intent to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 2024, and ECOWAS formally recognised the withdrawal in January 2025, after more than a year of diplomatic tensions. 

They went on to create a confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States and strengthened alliances with Russia, Turkey, and Iran to address internal security threats such as jihadists and armed gangs, as well as external pressures.

Reactions trail Burkina Faso’s grounding of Nigerian aircraft, arrest of all soldiers on board

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Reactions trail Burkina Faso’s grounding of Nigerian aircraft, arrest of all soldiers on board

BURKINA Faso’s junta on Monday confirmed that a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft transporting 11 military personnel was compelled to land after allegedly entering the country’s airspace without authorisation.

The disclosure came through the Agence d’Information du Burkina, the state-run news agency, which published a statement from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) signed by the General of the Army, Assimi GOITA.

The AES outlined the circumstances leading to the aircraft’s interception.

“The Confederation of Sahel States informs the public that a C130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land today, December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace. The military aircraft had two crew members and nine passengers on board, all military personnel,” the statement.

The AES stated that a review conducted by Burkinabe authorities found that the aircraft entered the country’s airspace without securing the mandatory overflight clearance.

The statement added that the probe “highlighted the absence of authorisation to fly over the territory of Burkina Faso for this military device.

“The AES condemns with the utmost firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member States,” it noted.

The statement added that the AES air and anti-aircraft defence systems had been placed on maximum alert, with clearance to neutralise any aircraft that breaches AES-controlled airspace.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Air Force nor the Federal Government had issued an official response to the incident.

However, Nigerians have swiftly reacted to the development on social media. Adey of Ibeju-Lekki on X noted that “The AES is just trying to score a cheap point and also garner local support.

“The charlie 130 made an emergency landing which they act only for them to say they forced it down, same logistics flight that has been flown over this same country multiple times?”

But Megamind thought otherwise “Flown over same country multiple times” The plane was designated for Ghana, why land in Burkina if you were heading for Ghana? Why turn north to make an emergency landing in a hostile territory?”

Shepherdhills wrote “C-130H is one of the largest military aircraft in Nigeria, possibly even the largest. It is not a fighter jet but military cargo plane that carries heavy military equipment. What is C-130 doing in Benin, Ghana, and Burkina Faso? What military equipment is it transporting there?”

While Osaze reasoned differently. He said, “An aircraft making an emergency landing doesn’t violate airspace. A plane can develop fault mid-air and as it signals ‘mayday’, it goes to the nearest airport for landing.”

Another user, Warrior monk wrote “Very convenient that you should go off radar and miraculously appear in Burkina airspace. 

“The detention is the right move militarily. They are a treat. If they don’t make an example of them, there will be more such appearances in their future,”

Pastor Bee also supported this claim. “The last report I read says they were off the radar and now they did an emergency landing in Burkina Faso. Why not Ghana or Togo?.”

The ICIR cannot immediately verify the claim that the aircraft went off radar.

CBN licenses 82 BDCs, warns against patronising unlicensed operators

Harrison EDEH
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CBN licenses 82 BDCs, warns against patronising unlicensed operators

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted final licenses to 82 Bureaux De Change (BDCs) to operate with effect from November 27.

The CBN disclosed this in a statement on Monday, December 8, by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Hakama Sidi-Ali.

Sidi-Ali disclosed that the exercise was in line with its powers conferred under the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

According to her, it is also an enforcement of the Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for BDC Operations in Nigeria (2024)

“By this notice, only BDCs listed on the Bank’s website are authorised to
operate from the effective date. The CBN will continue to update the list of BDCs with valid operating licences for public verification on our website (www.cbn.gov.ng).

“The Bank advises the general public to avoid dealing with unlicensed foreign exchange operators,” she said.

She noted that operating a BDC business without a valid licence was a punishable offence under Section 57(1) of the BOFIA 2020.

She advised members of the public to note and be guided accordingly.

Recalls that at one point, there were about 5,690 BDCs operating across Nigeria.

But on March 1, 2024, the CBN revoked the licences of 4,173 BDC operators for regulatory non-compliance. After that revocation, the number of licensed BDCs dropped to around 1,517.

The ICIR reports that the CBN had, in May 2024, issued new operational guidelines for BDCs.

The guidelines, effective June 3, 2024, directed all existing BDCs to reapply for new licences.

It provided that BDC operators with Tier 1 licences raised their capital base to N2 billion, while those with Tier 2 licences to N500 million.

The operators were also required to pay a non-refundable licence fee of N5 million and N2 million, respectively.

At the time, the CBN gave both the Tier 1 and Tier 2 BDC operators six months to meet the minimum capital requirement.

It later extended the deadline by an additional six months, which ended on Tuesday, June 3.

Benin Republic Chief of Army Staff, Chief of National Guard regain freedom after failed coup

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Benin Republic Chief of Army Staff, Chief of National Guard regain freedom after failed coup

THE Chief of Army Staff of the Benin Republic and the Chief of the National Guard have been freed after being held hostage during a failed coup attempt on Sunday in the democracy-weary Sahel region.

Security analyst Brant Grant confirmed their release in a post on X on Monday, He said the two senior officers were seized by mutinous soldiers during the attempted power grab but have since been rescued.

“Beninese Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Staff of the National Guard have been freed, after they were taken hostage by the mutineers during the coup yesterday,” he wrote.

According to the security expert, their freedom came shortly after President Patrice Talon addressed the nation, assuring citizens that the government had regained full control of the situation.

The ICIR reported that a group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television on Sunday, December  7. They seized power and declared that they had dissolved the government in what appears to be another coup in West Africa.

Identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, they announced the ousting of the president and the dissolution of all state institutions, adding that Pascal Tigri, a lieutenant colonel, had been named as the head of the committee.

Talon and several top military commanders were held captive in Cotonou by the faction of the mutineers. 

The mutiny triggered hours of tension across the country as loyal security forces worked to restore order and secure key state institutions. Authorities say several of the coup plotters were arrested, while others are still being hunted.

Talon, who has been in office since 2016, had been expected to leave office next April – 2026, at the end of his second term in 2026 – the maximum allowed by the constitution, after the upcoming presidential election.

The attempted coup adds to a troubling pattern of political instability in West Africa, where Niger, Burkina Faso, and Guinea-Bissau have all recently experienced military takeovers or attempted uprisings.

Political and civil society leaders within and outside Benin have condemned the attack, urging stronger protections for democratic governance.

Government officials say investigations are ongoing and have called on citizens to remain calm, stressing that national security forces have re-established full control.

Reacting, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced the immediate deployment of its standby force to the Republic of Benin following the foiling of the attempted putsch.

In a statement released on Sunday, the regional bloc said the troops, including personnel from neighbouring Nigeria, were being mobilised to support the Beninese government and help protect the country’s constitutional order.

It added that the decision to deploy standby force was in pursuant to the provisions of relevant ECOWAS instruments, in particular Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution Peacekeeping and Security.

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We must account for all kidnapped Nigerians, Tinubu says as he welcomes Niger schoolchildren

Mustapha USMAN
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We must account for all kidnapped Nigerians, Tinubu says as he welcomes Niger schoolchildren

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has applauded security agencies for the rescue of 100 abducted students of Papiri Catholic School in Niger State.

In a statement on Monday, December 8, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga,Tinubu expressed joy over the safe return of the children, who were kidnapped on November 21, and saluted the efforts of Governor Umar Bago and security operatives for their “steadfast work.”

The ICIR reported that armed bandits rode into the remote community around 2:00 a.m. and spent about three hours moving through the school dormitories. A total of 315 people were reportedly taken, that is 303 students and 12 teachers.

Security personnel and local hunters launched a search operation across the surrounding forests to track down the gunmen. Within the first 24 hours, 50 students successfully fled from their abductors and were safely reunited with their families.

Despite this, 265 others, comprising 253 children, and 12 teachers were held by the gunmen. The ICIR reported how the children’s family and the entire Papiri community have been in tears over the incident.

While celebrating the rescue, Tinubu directed security agencies to intensify operations for the immediate release of the remaining 115 students and their teachers who are still being held hostage.

He also assured parents that the federal and Niger State governments were working closely to reunite every abducted child with their family.

The president further ordered security agencies and governors to prevent future school kidnappings, insisting that Nigerian children “should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists.”

“My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely.  We must account for all the victims. The Federal Government will continue to work with Niger State and other states to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive for our young ones.

“From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma,” Tinubu said.

Meanwhile, the rescue operation has drawn commendation from a visiting US Congressional delegation, which met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

In a statement after the meeting, Congress member Riley M. Moore described the conversation as “productive and positive,” emphasising that the delegation discussed concrete actions that could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture if the discussions were fully executed.

According to the delegation, the US is particularly concerned about terrorist attacks in the North-East and the killing of Christians in parts of the Middle Belt.

The lawmaker welcomed the rescue of the Papiri schoolchildren, calling it “a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation” and evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to his emergency security declaration.

He also highlighted the establishment of a US–Nigeria joint task force as a sign that a stronger cooperative security framework was “within sight,” noting that Nigeria had shown openness and willingness to work with the United States to tackle shared concerns.

“It is clear that there is an openness and willingness on the part of the Nigerian government to work with the United States to tackle these critical issues. Now, that openness has to translate to concrete action.

“There is much work still to be done, but things are moving in the right direction. I look forward to the next steps with Nigerian government and the continued open dialogue,” he added.

Group marks Anti-corruption Day, urges youth to lead fight against corruption

Mustapha USMAN
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Group marks Anti-corruption Day, urges youth to lead fight against corruption

AHEAD of the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day, the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity on Monday, December 8, called on young Nigerians to take the frontline role in their country’s fight against corruption.   

Speaking at the commemoration held in Abuja, the Executive Director of the Centre said the annual event, observed globally on December 9, serves as a reminder that corruption remains one of the biggest obstacles to development, public trust, and nation-building.

He cited United Nations figures estimating the global cost of corruption at $2.6 trillion yearly, noting that developing countries lost sums more than ten times higher than the aid they received.

He warned that traditional approaches to fighting corruption had reached their limits, adding that this year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” was a deliberate call to harness the energy and digital capacity of young people.

He stressed that the next generation must be integrated into every anti-corruption framework because traditional approaches had proved inadequate.

He further challenged participants to deepen their engagement with public finance processes. 

“How many people in this hall know the exact amount allocated to their Local Government Council by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) last month? When was the last time you genuinely interrogated a public institution to verify whether it is accountable? How many of you have actually downloaded and scrutinised a budget implementation report of any public institution to verify if the projects listed on paper were actually executed on the ground? ” he asked.

He described citizens’ reluctance to demand transparency as dangerous, especially as public institutions continue to withhold key information. 

He referenced the Centre’s Transparency and Integrity Index 2025, which revealed that only six public institutions scored above 50 percent in overall transparency.

“In September this year, we presented the Transparency and Integrity Index 2025, which measures public institutions’ levels of transparency in government dealings. Only six public institutions scored above 50 per cent on the overall transparency rating. This data confirms that the door to accountability is often locked from the inside, but it also reveals that very few citizens are knocking from the outside,” he added.

He reminded participants that corruption had direct consequences, such as dilapidated lecture halls when education funds are diverted, and weakened healthcare systems when budgets are mismanaged. 

He said the Centre had developed new digital accountability tools and would be presenting one at the event. He urged participants to adopt and use it. 

“Your generation possesses an innate command of technology, data, and digital communication that the older generation lacks. At the Center, we have spent years building the technological tools for accountability. Today, we will present a tool designed to arm you for this fight. I expect that you will adopt this tool for your advocacy,” he said.

Meanwhile, participants at the event shared their perspectives on how corruption affected their daily experiences and what must change.

A participant, Holly Mohanye, said addressing corruption must begin with mindset and values. “Change is a collective thing. We can start dealing with corruption by changing our mindset and setting values.’

Also, a corps member, Deborah, highlighted the “thin line between corruption and compromise,” adding that while some people accessed opportunities through privilege, others qualified but were denied. 

She said in such cases, citizens should lodge complaints with human rights groups and insist on fairness.

Another corps member said government empowerment programmes must be understood not as privileges but as citizens’ right. She stressed that “the first step in fighting corruption is accountability,” warning that when governments are not held accountable, “mismanagement continues unchecked.”

She noted that in cases where empowerment lists exclude genuine beneficiaries, concerned citizens should write officially to demand redress.

“Corruption is a choice,” says PRIMORG ED

On his part, the Executive Director of the Progressive Impact Organisation for Community Development (PRIMORG), Augustine Agbonsuremi,  told the participants that “corruption ultimately comes down to personal decisions”, adding that such decisions often carry consequences.

“There are things we must learn as young people. One is that corruption is a choice,” he said, stressing that “If you hear people say, ‘I didn’t have a choice,’ they are not being truthful. Corruption is a choice — the only difficulty is that some of the choices come with tough repercussions.”

He noted that refusing to pay bribes sometimes meant accepting delays or harassment, but the willingness to bear that inconvenience is the price of integrity.

“If you are going to stay out of corruption, you must be ready to pay the price. A policeman may delay you for hours, but that is where the choice lies — whether you give in or stand your ground.”

The event also featured a presentation of the Centre’s new anti-corruption tools, designed to support evidence-based advocacy and digital tracking of public spending.

Abia, NDPHC to construct 7.5MVA injection substation in Umuahia

Harrison EDEH
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Abia, NDPHC to construct 7.5MVA injection substation in Umuahia

THE Abia State government, in partnership with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has begun the construction of a 7.5 Mega Volt-Amperes (MVA), 33/11 kilovolts (kV) Injection Substation in Umuahia, the capital

A statement by the NDPHC on Monday, December 8, said the move was aimed at boosting electricity supply in the state.

It said the Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who performed the groundbreaking ceremony, described the project as a transformative initiative that would significantly boost power supply in the state.

Otti said that the new infrastructure marked the beginning of a broader effort to modernise Abia’s power network.

The project is being executed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP). Its scope includes the construction of a 1-kilometre (km) 33 kilovolts (kV) line, 1.2km of 11kV line, installation of two 300kVA distribution substations, and the provision of 2km of low-tension line.

Otti commended the Federal Government and NDPHC for prioritising Abia in this strategic intervention.

He also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms in the power sector through the Electricity Act 2023, which he said had expanded the national electricity framework to encourage stronger state participation, private sector investment, and global partnerships.

The governor further revealed that the state government had budgeted for an additional 7.5MVA Injection Substation in the 2026 fiscal year, which he said would raise the combined capacity in the Ogurube Layout area of Umuahia to 15MVA when completed.

The NDPHC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Adighije, represented at the event by Executive Director, Networks, Bello Babayo Bello reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding access to reliable and sustainable electricity nationwide.

She said the Umuahia project reflected NDPHC’s mandate to empower communities and drive economic development.

The collaboration between the Federal Government, NDPHC, and the Abia State Government, stakeholders said, highlighted the power of strategic partnerships in delivering critical infrastructure.

When completed, the substation is expected to strengthen the electricity supply, support small businesses, promote industrial development, and ultimately improve the quality of life for residents of Umuahia and surrounding communities.

The ICIR reports that Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, is currently experiencing improved electricity supply, thanks to the Geometric Power Plant, a 188-megawatt thermal power plant commissioned in February 2024. This plant is expected to provide 24/7 electricity to nine local government areas in the state, covering approximately 270,000 households.

The investment in the electricity infrastructure network expansion was largely informed by the unbundling of the electricity sector through the Electricity Act 2023, which has given states power and access to attract investors into the various power distribution value-chain.

In a related development, the NDPHC has successfully recovered six previously dormant gas turbines across its fleet of turbines in the last year, adding cumulatively 875 megawatts to the national grid.

The company has also announced the restoration of an additional 450 megawatts of generation capacity to the national grid following the completion of scheduled maintenance on the Geregu National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) plant.

The Managing Director of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, confirmed that the four-wheel extended minor inspection, undertaken by Siemens Energy, was executed to enhance the facility’s operational reliability, performance, and efficiency, thereby extending the plant’s Equivalent Operating Hours(EOH) and operational life span.

According to her, the turbines so far recovered “include GT4 at the Calabar NIPP, GT1 at Omotosho II, GT1 and GT2 at Benin NIPP, GT4 at Sapele NIPP, and currently GT3 and GT4 at Alaoji NIPP on standby for pre-commissioning after gas supply remedial works.

“These restored units collectively would have a cumulative 875MW additional capacity to NDPHC’s mechanical available generation, adding a significant boost to national power generation capacity.”

Adighije, in a similar statement on Monday by the Head, Corporate Communications and External Relations, NDPHC, Emmanuel Ojor, also announced the commencement of restoration works on the 225MW Gbarain NIPP plant, which has been out of service since 2020, describing it as a major step toward recovering dormant national power in a bid to commercialise the output of the plant to serve critical commercial and industrial clusters within the Niger Delta region.

 

 

Mixed reactions trail release of 100 abducted Niger schoolchildren

Fatimah QUADRI
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Mixed reactions trail release of 100 abducted Niger schoolchildren

NIGERIANS have reacted to the release of 100 of the schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State on November 21, 2025.  

The Federal Government announced the children’s freedom on Sunday, December 7.

Armed bandits rode into the remote community around 2:00 a.m. and spent about three hours moving through the school dormitories. A total of 315 people were reportedly taken, that is 303 students and 12 teachers.

Security personnel and local hunters launched a search operation across the surrounding forests to track down the gunmen. Within the first 24 hours, 50 students successfully fled from their abductors and were safely reunited with their families.

Despite this, 265 others, comprising 253 children, and 12 teachers were held by the gunmen. The ICIR reported how the children’s family and the entire Papiri community have been in tears over the incident.

With the release of 100 pupils, 165 others are still in custody

Nigerians have reacted to the release of the 100 pupils. An X user, @ikwueze_okezie, wrote: “Same English since 2015. God will do this, God will do that. God will not come down and tell your politicians to stop politicking for 365 days for four years. 100 girls released, no single arrest. Same script on repeat. Tomorrow, another set will be taken.”

@MarkDeBonen shared his thought: “Shame. They weren’t available to prevent their kidnapping in the first place. Nigeria secures release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from Catholic School after weeks in captivity.”

@SunnyolOFFICIAL wrote: “Federal Government secure release of over 100 schoolchildren abducted in Niger State. Without proper accountability, or did they think they owe not the public explanations?”

@A__yabo felicitated with the children and their families. “Congratulations, Nigerians. This is something to celebrate. This proves we have a competent government that’s ready to secure the lives of its citizens. Now, I hope the terrorists that committed the crime are neutralised, Nigeria is surely going to win the war against terrorism.”
@GeorgeUwaifo shared the same thoughts. He wrote: “Great. Hope they get checked into the hospital and counseled. How about the abductors?”
For @Lanister, it doesn’t matter how the rescue was carried out, “I am simply glad they are back home to their loved ones,” she stated.

How Ebonyi government violated procurement laws in multi-billion naira road contracts

Editorial
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How Ebonyi government violated procurement laws in multi-billion naira road contracts

By Olarenwaju OYEDEJI

WHEN Emmanuel (real name withheld) first heard about the construction of an overhead and underpass bridge at Vanco Junction, his heart swelled with excitement. He imagined smoother rides, faster trips, and more income from his tricycle business.

But months later, his excitement turned into deep frustration. What he and other motorists once saw as a sign of progress became a daily nightmare for survival.

The prolonged construction has made movement difficult, and uncertainty about when the project will be completed has left residents and traders in despair.

“Nothing is more frustrating than government inaction,” Emmanuel said bitterly.

He recalled earning at least ₦12,000 daily before the project began, stressing that restricted access and traffic congestion has cut his earnings by half. “I now struggle to even make ₦6,000 a day,” he lamented.

His frustration reflects that of many others whose lives and businesses have been disrupted as a result of non-completion of the bridge.

For Daniel, a physically challenged person, simply crossing to the other side of the road has become a dangerous task. He now relies on a fragile wooden ladder placed by residents to get across—a risky manoeuvre over a river running beneath.

As he crossed it recently, Daniel muttered in anger and pain. He clung to this reporter for support, his steps trembling as he descended. When his feet finally touched the ground, he hurried off, his discomfort etched clearly across his face.

Multi billion-naira projects

Over ₦8.6 billion worth of road contracts have been awarded by the Ebonyi State government to newly registered shell companies and firms linked to politically exposed persons — including close associates of Governor Francis Nwifuru, findings show.

Procurement laws were allegedly violated in the award of these contracts, raising questions of corruption, poor oversight, and disregard for due process.

Residents and businesses across Ebonyi say these government actions have worsened their struggles, particularly as bad roads continue to cripple economic activities.

At Vanco Junction in Abakaliki Local Government Area — a once-bustling trading hub — traders and tricycle operators lament how the government’s much-celebrated road and bridge project has stalled.

“Since they blocked this road for construction, my business has died,” one shop owner said, standing beside heaps of sand and idle machinery.

‘First Bridge’ contract

On July 25, 2024, the Ebonyi State government announced the award of a contract for what it called the first bridge with an underground tunnel in the Southeastern region of Nigeria. The project, located at Vanco Junction, was valued at ₦8.6 billion and awarded by the Ministry of Works and Transport.

Checks on the Ebonyi State Open Contracting Portal show that the contractor, Real Aggregate Engineering Limited, received ₦8.6 billion award on July 25, 2024 — barely four months after the company was registered.

According to Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) records, Real Aggregate Engineering Limited was incorporated on March 13, 2024. The state’s tender process for the project began on April 15, 2024, meaning that at the time of bidding, the company was only one month and two days old.

Real Aggregate Engineering Limited

This contravenes the Ebonyi State Public Procurement Law, which mandates that contractors must possess relevant experience and tax compliance history before qualification. This is according to Section 21 (1) of the Ebonyi State Public Procurement Law (2020).

Real Aggregate Engineering Limited was said to have “competitively” bided against another company — Oke Ogirima Company Limited — for the project. However, this investigation discovered multiple red flags suggesting the bidding process may have been manipulated.

The phone number listed for Real Aggregate Engineering Limited is the same as that of Oke Ogirima Company Limited, which also won a separate state contract. A check on the technology tool Truecaller shows that both numbers bear the same name, “Oke Nwodom (PA).”

Further checks on the CAC beneficial ownership database show that Real Aggregate Engineering Limited is owned by Nwodom Uchenna and Nwome Ijeoma Rita, while Oke Ogirima Company Limited is owned by Nwome Philomina Eunice and Nwodom Okechukwu Peter.

Social network analysis reveals that Nwodom Okechukwu Peter serves as the personal assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru, raising serious concerns of conflict of interest and insider contracting.

This evidence suggests that both companies are controlled by the same individuals, casting doubt on whether any genuine competitive bidding took place.

By listing two related companies as separate bidders, the state government may have violated the principle of open and fair competition required by the state’s procurement law.

True caller finding

By the end of December 2024, Real Aggregate Engineering Limited had received ₦6.022 billion for the construction of the Vanco Overhead and Underpass Bridge — amounting to 70.023 percent mobilisation.

Top value capital projects

According to details on the state’s Open Contracting Portal, the project was expected to be completed by July 25, 2025. Yet, progress remains slow, leaving the livelihoods of residents around the site trapped in uncertainty as the work crawls on at a snail’s pace.

Despite this, the work on the bridge has continued to drag. A visit to Vanco Junction shows that some sections of the bridge appear stalled, with only a few workers seen on site.

The project site was visited twice on different days during this investigation, and findings revealed that manual labour was primarily used for the bridge construction.

Manual Labourers at the site of the Vanco Underpass bridge project

A walk through the project area showed no signage to indicate who is handling the construction or any project details.

Workers on site, who spoke under anonymity, disclosed that the work was not being managed by any company but rather by individuals.

None of the traders or residents near the site knew who the contractor was.

“These people are unserious. They are dragging foot with the project. If you came here three months ago and now, you will see no difference in the project. What we have here are pillars, nothing major despite the fact that they demolished homes of people,” a tricycle owner noted.

Another respondent lamented the negative impact of the slow-paced bridge project on their businesses.

“People have kept suffering due to the bridge project, yet the pace of work is worrisome. We do not even know who the contractor is, it’s manual labour and few tractors you see from time to time,” another trader stated.

At least four respondents echoed the same frustration over the project’s snail-pace and reliance on direct labour.

On-site observation confirmed that several homes were demolished to pave the way for the bridge, yet the project remains largely stagnant. Traders, motorists, and business owners continue to bear the brunt of the delay.

More contracts

Vanco Bridge is not the only contract awarded to Real Aggregate Engineering Limited. The same company also secured another deal worth ₦4.7 billion for the construction of the Oferekpe Agabja Internal Road Lot 1 in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Review shows that while the state only officially awarded the road project in June 2025, and ended up awarding it to the Real Aggregate which registered with CAC in March 2024, it actually paid money for the same  earlier before the official contract award notice.

As of September 2024, a budget document shows that a sum of N903 million was already spent on the road project. However, checks on the state Open Contracting Portal shows that only the contract listed as awarded in June 2025 was said to have been awarded for the project.

It is unclear why the state only awarded the contract for the road in June 2025 but paid over N903 million already as of September 2024, according to budget documents.

Real Aggregate Engineering Limited existing on paper?

According to the Ebonyi State Open Contracting Portal, the listed address of Real Aggregate Engineering Limited is “49, Ogoja Road, Abakaliki.”

However, when the address was traced during this investigation, no one could confirm the existence of such a company. The location identified as No. 49 Ogoja Road turned out to be a filling station.

Ogoja Road, Izzi, Ebonyi State

A walk along the stretch of the road revealed no trace of the company’s presence, while residents and business owners in the area also denied any knowledge of its existence.

When the contact listed for Real Aggregate Engineering on the Ebonyi State Open Contracting Portal was contacted, the respondent listed on ‘Truecaller’ as Oke Nwodom (PA) initially agreed to knowing the organisation. He also acknowledged being Oke Ogirima, the respondent even offered to call engineers on site at Vanco Underpass bridge to ascertain the state of work, he however suddenly backtracked when asked why his contact is same for Oke Ogirima and listed also as Real Aggregate Engineering, two companies that bided against each other.

The respondent stated that it was an error for his contact to have been listed and he does not know any of the two companies, despite initially agreeing to knowing both organisations. He subsequently denied any comments.

Procurement laws violated

The Ebonyi State government has again come under scrutiny for blatant abuse of procurement laws, following the award of a ₦642.5 million contract to Jiodarc Company Limited. The contract was for the construction of 2.001km of Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru Avenue External Road in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.

According to details on the Ebonyi State Open Contracting Portal, Jiodarc Company Limited was the sole bidder and eventual winner of the contract — a clear indication of lack of competitive bidding, contrary to procurement regulations that require open and transparent competition. The absence of competitive bidding is due to the fact that only one company was listed as that which bided for and won the contract.

A competitive bidding involves two or more companies.

Records show that Jiodarc was incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on July 28, 2023, exactly one year before the bidding process for the contract opened, and only three months after Francis Nwifuru was sworn in as Governor of Ebonyi State.

Further investigations using social network analysis revealed that Jiodarc Company Limited is linked to the governor’s family. Data from the CAC Beneficial Ownership Database lists Nwifuru Sylvester Jioke — the governor’s brother — and Jioke Rosemary Chiwendu, his wife, as the company’s owners.

CAC beneficial ownership database

In November 2019, before becoming governor, Francis Nwifuru publicly congratulated Sylvester on his marriage to Rosemary.

Rosemary Jioke is currently listed as the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency, according to information officially published by the agency and obtained during this investigation.

This discovery raises serious concerns about conflict of interest and potential abuse of office. It also remains unclear how the governor’s brother’s company emerged as the sole beneficiary of the lucrative contract.

In another flagrant breach of procurement law, a contract for the construction of 2km Inyimoga–Ezzaophu Road, Ndiebor Ezza Inyimagu Community, Izzi LGA, was awarded to Azuegu Obvu Construction Limited.

The company was registered with the CAC on April 15, 2024, yet was awarded the ₦400 million contract barely three months later, on July 27, 2024. Like the earlier case, there was no evidence of competitive bidding, as Azuegu Obvu Construction Nigeria Limited was the only bidder and winner.

Azuegu Obvu — a Shell Company?

According to the Ebonyi State Open Contracting Portal, the company’s registered address is No. 5, Simon Onuorah Street, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

However, when the address was traced during this investigation, no such company was found. The location turned out to be a residential area in a village, and residents denied knowledge of any company operating there.

“We are hearing the name for the first time, there is no such company on this street,” several residents said.

A resident, familiar with the area, expressed disbelief over the address used.

“Anyone who says his or her company is located here must have been deceptive. I have not heard of such a company; there is no company here.”

Further visits to adjoining streets along Simon Onuorah confirmed that no trace of the company exists, despite it being awarded ₦400 million state contract. (Evidence of receipt)

Another questionable award involved Pdoings Integrated Services Limited, which received a ₦1.094 billion contract on October 7, 2024, for the development of the EBOCAB Platform Services and construction of the EBOCAB Terminal — Ebonyi State’s taxi service platform.

The company was incorporated in June 2024, making it just five months old at the time of the award.

To verify the disbursement and utilisation of funds, the EBOCAB Terminal was visited during this investigation. While construction was observed on-site, findings confirmed that the state government awarded a ₦1.094 billion to a five-month-old company in clear violation of procurement laws as the contract was fully executed. (Payment evidence…?)

The CAC lists Nwifuru Chigbuogu Felix as the owner of Pdoings Integrated Services Limited.

The investigation also uncovered another conflict of interest within the Ministry of Works and Transport, where a ₦3.3 billion contract was awarded to a company owned by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary.

According to reviewed documents, the “Construction of Concrete Rigid Pavement TTC–Iboko Road” was awarded to Maurifrank Nigeria Limited.

Records show the company has four directors — Nkwuda Monday Nnanna, Nkwuda Roseline, Nkwuda Frankline, and Nkwuda Anita. Nkwuda Monday currently serves as the Permanent Secretary of the Ebonyi State Ministry of Works and Transport.

Beyond this conflict, there are indications of contract inflation. During the tender stage, Maurifrank Nigeria Limited submitted a bid of ₦2.6 billion, but the final contract was awarded for ₦3.3 billion — an unexplained ₦700 million increase.(Have you tried to find out any possible reason for the increase?)

When contacted despite acknowledging sent message, the contact listed for Maurifrank Nigeria Limited refused to comment and reply to enquiries. Checks on the

Contracts award without open bidding

Investigations have also revealed that the Ebonyi State government awarded several road-related contracts without competitive bidding. In each case reviewed, only one company was listed as both the bidder and the winner — a clear violation of procurement laws designed to promote transparency and accountability.

One of such contracts was the construction of 2km of Oriede Bus Stop–Ochejem Playground Road in Amuda Community, Ezza North Local Government Area. The contract, valued at ₦400 million, was awarded to Amaechi Scrapfolding Ventures, which was listed as the sole bidder and winner.

Similarly, Bruce Integrated Services was the only bidder for the construction of 2,150.25 metres of Okpoduma Nwofe Road (Phase 1) in Izzi LGA. The contract, valued at ₦715 million, was awarded on October 7, 2024. According to details from the Corporate Affairs Commission’s Beneficial Ownership Database, the company is owned by former Senator Nse Bassey Ekpenyong.

What the law Says

Section 21 (1) of the Ebonyi State Public Procurement Law (2020) stipulates that:

“Subject to any exemption allowed by this Law, all public procurements shall be conducted:
(a) Subject to the prior review thresholds as may from time to time be set by the Bureau…
(b) By open competitive bidding;
(c) In a manner which is transparent, timely and equitable…
(d) In a manner which promotes competition, economy and efficiency; and
(e) In accordance with the procedures and guidelines laid down in this Law….”

Subsection (2) further provides that:

“Where the Bureau has set prior review thresholds in the procurement regulations, no funds shall be disbursed… unless approved by the approving authority.”

The law also outlines the eligibility requirements for bidders in Section 21 (2):

“All bidders… shall possess the necessary professional and technical qualifications, financial capability, equipment, and personnel to perform the obligations of the procurement contract; must possess legal capacity; not be in receivership or insolvency; must have fulfilled tax, pension, and social security obligations; and have directors free of criminal convictions related to fraud or misrepresentation.”

Subsection (5) empowers the procuring entity to demand documentary evidence to prove that bidders meet these requirements — and stresses that all such requirements must apply equally to every bidder.

Conflict of Interest 

In relation to the Permanent Secretary whose company benefited from a contract awarded by his own ministry, Section 21 (19) of the Ebonyi State Public Procurement Act (2020) states:

“Persons who have been engaged in preparing for a procurement… may neither bid for the procurement in question nor cooperate in any manner with bidders in the course of preparing their tenders.”

The law also imposes clear accountability duties on accounting officers of procuring entities.

Section 21 (16) states: “The accounting officer of a procuring entity, and any officer to which the task is delegated, are responsible and accountable for any actions taken or omitted to be taken either in compliance with or contravention of the law.”

Section 21 (17) adds that: “Concurrent approval by any tenders board shall not absolve the accounting officer for accountability for anything done in contravention of this law or regulations.”

By law, a Permanent Secretary serves as the chief accounting officer of a ministry. It therefore remains unclear why Ebonyi State’s Works and Transport Ministry’s chief accounting officer abandoned his statutory responsibility in favour of awarding a multi-billion-naira contract to a company he owns.

What the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) says on annual returns

Section 421 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 provides that a company’s annual return must be completed, signed by a director and the secretary, and filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission within 42 days after its annual general meeting.

“This section does not apply to companies with only one member.”

Section 422 mandates that each return must include: “A certified copy of every balance sheet and profit and loss account laid before the company in general meeting… and a certified copy of the auditors’ and directors’ reports.”

The law further provides that where any balance sheet or document does not comply with legal requirements, additions and corrections must be made, and this must be clearly stated on the copy submitted.

Section 423 adds: “A private company shall send with the annual return… a certificate signed both by a director and the secretary of the company that it has not issued any invitation to the public to subscribe for shares or debentures.”

It is unclear how a few months old company will be able to meet the requirements and provisions of this law in respect to filing annual returns and paying necessary taxes.

Lawyer faults contract awards to infant companies

A legal practitioner, Awosusi Kehinde, described the award of contracts to newly registered or infant companies as a clear abuse of procurement regulations.

According to him, such companies cannot meet tax or annual return requirements, making them legally unqualified to participate in public procurement.

“A few months old company cannot file annual returns or get a tax certificate, which is one of the key requirements for awarding contracts. Also, the prerequisite experience of such an infant company in handling large projects is questionable,” he said.

“It is an abuse of the procurement act if such contract awards take place,” he added.

Across Ebonyi State, residents have repeatedly lamented the deteriorating condition of their roads, calling for urgent government intervention. However, the fraudulent and compromised procurement process uncovered by this investigation suggests that such contracts may never achieve their intended goals, leaving communities stranded and infrastructure neglected.

Ebonyi government declines comment

When contacted on phone the spokesperson to the Ebonyi State governor, Monday Uzor, declined to comment on the companies allegedly linked to the governor winning contracts in violation of the procurement law.

“I cannot comment on that, I don’t know of the procurement process,” he stated.

When reminded that the contracts award may amount to breach of the procurement law, he insisted on not commenting. He also declined to comment on award of the Vanco Underpass bridge to a few months old company with ties to the state governor and the several contract process abuse under the administration of governor Francis Nwifuru.

“What would you want me to say,” he quipped. The Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Bureau of Public Procurement, Uzoma Betty, failed to react when contacted.

By press time, he was contacted again for reaction but declined comments, failing to reply despite reading enquiries sent.

She failed to respond to the questions sent as messages to her phone contact via WhatsApp and failed to respond to phone calls placed to her line.

Fact-finding mission: NSA holds security talks with US lawmakers in Abuja

Fatimah QUADRI
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Fact-finding mission: NSA holds security talks with US lawmakers in Abuja

THE National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has met with a United States congressional delegation in Abuja on Sunday, December 7, as part of ongoing security talks between both countries.

In a post on X, Ribadu said the visit builds on earlier meetings held in Washington, D.C., where they discussed shared security priorities and areas of cooperation.

“This morning, I received a US Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, DC, on shared security priorities,” he wrote.

“The delegation included Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep.Scott Franklin, Rep.Juan Ciscomani, and Rep.Riley M. Moore.”

He added that the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was present at the meeting, which he said underscored the importance both nations attach to the partnership.

Ribadu stated that the talks focused on counter-terrorism efforts, regional stability, and opportunities to deepen the strategic security relationship between Nigeria and the US.

“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” he said.

The meeting occurred amid rising diplomatic friction after US President Donald Trump reinstated Nigeria on the list of Countries of Particular Concern over alleged violations of religious freedom, accompanied by warnings of possible US military action.

The Federal Government has repeatedly dismissed claims of systemic persecution of Christians, stressing that insecurity affects people of all religious backgrounds.

As international scrutiny grows, the government has continued engaging global partners for diplomatic and security support. Ribadu met with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on November 20 to discuss coordinated approaches to Nigeria’s security problems.

A week later, on November 27, President Bola Tinubu approved the formation of the Nigerian contingent of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, a move aimed at strengthening cooperation on security. The group’s creation stemmed from agreements reached during a recent high-level visit to Washington, D.C., led by the National Security Adviser.

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