The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Federal Government of favouritism over the planned construction of a N25 billion ecumenical chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

In a statement issued on Friday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, said the project reportedly being undertaken alongside the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN,raises concerns about equitable treatment of religious groups in the country.

The group also criticised what it described as uneven distribution of relief funds, citing the reported allocation of N2 billion to victims of violence in Plateau State without similar interventions in other affected states, including Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kwara.

MURIC further questioned reports that N1.2 billion was shared among the 19 northern states ahead of the Eid al-Kabir celebration, describing the figure as disproportionate when compared to the Plateau intervention.

“How can only one state be given N2 billion while all the 19 states in the North are asked to share N1.2 billion? But is it right to treat Muslims like second class citizens, animal farm?” the statement read.

The organisation also called on the federal government to provide clarity on plans for Muslim religious infrastructure, urging authorities to ensure parity.

“So we must ask federal government to tell Nigerians when land of equal size will be given to the Muslims to build their grand national mosque. Of course federal government must not forget the N25 billion cooling off somewhere in the Central Bank which will accompany the land allocation for Muslims,” the group added.

MURIC urged the government to uphold fairness and inclusivity in its policies, warning that perceived imbalance could heighten religious sensitivities.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the federal government or CAN regarding the allegations.

The Kebbi State Government has removed the Vice Chancellor of Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero (AFUSTA), Prof. Danshehu Bagudu Gwadangaji, alongside five other top administrative officers, following the outcome of a recent investigation into the institution’s affairs.

The decision was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Bala Tafida, who said the action was taken after deliberations at a State Executive Council (SEC) meeting. He explained that the move was based on recommendations contained in the report of a visitation panel set up by the government to review the university’s operations.

Those affected by the decision include two Deputy Vice Chancellors in charge of Academic and Administration, as well as the Registrar and the Bursar.

In a related development, the government approved the dissolution of the university’s Governing Council, also in line with the panel’s recommendations.

To ensure continuity in the administration of the institution, the state government appointed Prof. Sama’ila Arzika Mungadi as the Sole Administrator of AFUSTA with immediate effect from April 30, 2026.

The government did not provide further details on the specific findings of the panel but reiterated its commitment to repositioning the university for improved efficiency and academic excellence.

The Lagos Green Line Rail, Kano State Metro Rail, and the Kaduna State Rail project each designed to ease urban congestion, enhance mobility, and stimulate regional economic activity have been approved to proceed by the Federal Government.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) gave the approval of three major rail infrastructure projects valued at $2.99 billion.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, who confirmed this noted that the projects have already been captured in the extended 2025 budget and are expected to strengthen the capital component of the overall investment framework.

According to him, The Federal Executive Council approved three transformative rail project and these are Lagos Green Line, Kano state metro city rail project and Kaduna State Rail project. The projects are to be sponsored by the Ministry of Finance incorporated.”

The Lagos Green Line is expected to complement existing urban rail initiatives in Lagos, Africa’s largest city, while the Kano and Kaduna rail projects are projected to boost commercial activity in northern Nigeria by improving passenger and freight movement.

The FEC also approved the resolution of the concession dispute surrounding the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MM2) in Lagos, alongside the establishment of a Nigerian aircraft leasing company to support local airlines.

Minister of Aviarion and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said that approval were given to two major memos presented by the Aviation Ministry, describing both decisions as “significant milestones” for the sector.

The Minister disclosed that the federal government has finally settled the over 20-year dispute with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, owned by renowned businessman, Wale Babalakin, over the MM2 concession.

According to him, the dispute, which spanned multiple administrations, involved several contentious issues, including the control of the domestic terminal (MM1), financial claims against the government, and exclusivity rights.

“As you all know, there has been a long-standing dispute between the concessionaire and the federal government over MM2. Today, I can happily tell you that this government has resolved that issue once and for all”.

He explained that one of the major sticking points was a Supreme Court judgment which awarded Bi-Courtney N132 billion in damages, with interest accruing from 2009.

Keyamo, however, revealed that the concessionaire agreed to waive the claim as part of the negotiated settlement.

“The first thing we told him was to write off the N132 billion plus interest. Nobody is going to pay that, and he agreed and wrote it off,” the minister stated.

He added that Bi-Courtney also relinquished its claim to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal One (MM1), which it had argued was included in the original concession agreement.

“We told him to hand back the local airport (MM1) to the federal government. We cannot leave the entire domestic aviation operations in Lagos in private hands. He agreed,” Keyamo said.

On exclusivity, the minister said the clause granting Bi-Courtney sole rights to operate a private airport within Lagos was also removed.

“That clause was not right, even for security reasons. He agreed, and we removed it,” he added.

The federal government, on its part, agreed to restore ownership of the long-abandoned Hotel and Conference Centre opposite MM2 to the concessionaire.

Keyamo said the facility, whose construction had stalled for years, must now be completed within two years.

He said: “We gave it back to him to complete and run on a shared basis with the federal government. He has 24 months to deliver it. We will not tolerate further delays”.

He further disclosed that the government will permit regional flight operations from MM2 and expand the terminal’s apron to accommodate more aircraft.

The Minister noted that the new agreement would also ensure that the federal government begins to earn revenue from MM2 operations, which had not been the case during the dispute period.

“At the end of the day, it was give and take. He made concessions, and we also made concessions. Both sides benefitted,” Keyamo said.

He added that a formal signing ceremony involving all stakeholders would be held in Lagos, where full details of the agreement would be made public.

Keyamo also announced that FEC approved the establishment of a Nigerian aircraft leasing company, structured as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), to be driven by private sector investment.

He described the initiative as a “game changer” aimed at addressing the persistent challenge of access to aircraft by Nigerian airlines.

“The major problem of private operators in Nigeria has been access to aircraft and equipment. Nigeria is unique because our aviation industry is almost entirely run by the private sector,” he said.

The Minister explained that the new leasing company would aggregate aircraft for local airlines, reducing their dependence on foreign lessors and improving operational stability.

“Instead of airlines going all over the world looking for aircraft, there will now be a local platform to lease aircraft on both short-term and long-term basis,” he said.

Keyamo noted that many Nigerian airlines currently struggle with leasing arrangements, leading to frequent flight delays and cancellations.

“Some aircraft come into the country and within three months they are gone because operators cannot meet lease obligations.

That is why you see disruptions”.

He clarified that the federal government would not directly fund the leasing company but would provide guarantees to support lease financing and aircraft repossession.

“The role of government is to guarantee the leases. We are not putting in funds, but we will have equity in the company and earn returns,” the Minister explained.

He disclosed that several major African and international investors have already expressed interest in the project, citing Nigeria’s large aviation market and strategic location.

“Investors are already chasing us. We have the market, the traffic, the population and the routes. This is the Nigerian aviation franchise we are selling to the world,” he said.

He said the President has directed the Minister of Aviation to work with the Ministers of Finance, Justice, and Trade and Investment to finalise the structure of the SPV.

Keyamo expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly boost the capacity of Nigerian airlines to compete with foreign carriers, which currently dominate about 95 per cent of international traffic to and from Nigeria.

“This is a major step towards empowering our local airlines to take back their market share. In the next few months, Nigerians will begin to see the impact.”

Also, Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris, and his Works counterpart, David Umahi, outlined a set of decisions by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), including the creation of a Presidential Task Force on Power Sector Reform, key federal appointments, and approvals for major road projects nearing completion.

Idris said the Council’s decisions were anchored on a renewed push to reposition the power sector and accelerate infrastructure delivery nationwide.

He disclosed that the Council approved the appointment of a Special Adviser on Power to the President and endorsed the establishment of a high-level task force to drive comprehensive reforms in the electricity sector.

According to him, the decisions followed the submission of a report by a presidential committee set up on March 4 to review the commercial and institutional framework for the proposed Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO).

Idris said President Tinubu approved the appointment of former Minister of Power, Lanre Babalola, as Special Adviser on Power to strengthen coordination and policy oversight in the sector.

He added that the newly created Presidential Task Force on Power Sector Reform would be chaired by the President, with Babalola serving as a key member.

“The task force is part of renewed efforts by the administration to reposition the power sector as a critical driver of industrialisation and economic growth,” he said.

Membership of the task force includes the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Also speaking, the Minister of the Economy, Minister of Power, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Minister of Information and National Orientation, and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Others are the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), as well as representatives of electricity generation and distribution companies.

The Minister noted that the committee would focus on implementing far-reaching reforms to address longstanding structural challenges, stressing that stable electricity supply remains central to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

He added that the government was committed to a total overhaul of the sector to unlock industrial growth and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.

Idris also disclosed that the FEC meeting was preceded by the swearing-in of a National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and four Permanent Secretaries.

“The President today performed the swearing-in after her clearance by the National Assembly as a National Commissioner of INEC in person of Rear Admiral K. M. Marafa (rtd).

He added that the Council deliberated on a 32-point agenda and formally welcomed the newly appointed Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, to his first FEC meeting.

“Let me unveil to you for the first time at the FEC meeting, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, who is joining us for the first time. Welcome to the Federal Executive Council,” he said.

Commenting on nation’s infrastructure, Umahi defended the cost of ongoing and newly approved road projects, insisting that they reflect value for money despite rising construction costs.

“When people talk about cost, we must look at unit pricing and quality. What we are doing now is cheaper and far more durable than what was done years ago”.

He explained that the administration has standardised the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) for federal highways, describing it as more durable and cost-effective over time.

According to him, several newly approved projects average about N3.2 billion per kilometre, even amid increases in cement prices.

Umahi disclosed that 10 major projects approved by FEC are spread across the country and structured to maximise economic returns while addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps.

He said flagship projects such as the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are being executed using concrete technology, while key legacy corridors are being expanded to improve connectivity.

The minister cited the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi road, now extended to link Gombe, Yobe and Borno states, bringing its total stretch to about 700 kilometres.

On the Carter Bridge in Lagos, Umahi said structural assessments confirmed that the facility could not be salvaged, prompting approval for a complete reconstruction.

“This is not just rehabilitation. It is a complete rebuilding to modern standards,” he said.

He added that the government is leveraging alternative financing models, including tax credit schemes and tolling, to ensure sustainability.

“This is infrastructure as investment, not just expenditure”.

Umahi further disclosed that several completed projects are ready for commissioning, including sections of the Abuja-Kaduna highway, as well as key routes in the South-South and coastal corridors.

According to him, segments of the Kano-Jigawa and Suleja-Minna roads have been completed, with the Azeri section of the Kano–Jigawa corridor, spanning about 37 kilometres, fully delivered and awaiting inauguration.

He attributed the scale and pace of infrastructure delivery to President Tinubu’s hands-on approach to governance.

“Mr President is extremely detailed. Every item is interrogated. That is why we can confidently say Nigerians are getting value,” Umahi said.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dele Momodu has disowned a presidential campaign poster of him as running mate to Atiku Abubakar.

Momodu described the presidential campaign poster as a joke designed to distract the ADC.

The poster tagged AtiDele 2027 showed Atiku as president while Momodu as running mate.

Reacting, Momodu assured his followers that he’s not running for the presidency.

Posting on X, the former presidential candidate said he would support ADC leaders because they are competent.

He wrote: “Bob Dee, Is this real? When I first received this poster from a friend, I dismissed it as a joke designed to distract us.

“But I’m now being bombarded with a deluge of this unsolicited message.

“As such, I will be most grateful if my friends and party members can do me the honor of ignoring this joke.

“I’m not running for any race again. I’m interested in humbly supporting the coalition of political parties, to work together and oust the incompetent APC government that has viciously thrown our Democracy into apparent chaos.

“There are more than enough leaders in my party, ADC, more competent than me. I will humbly support any of them, when our candidates emerge.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed Saturday, June 20, 2026, for the conduct of bye-elections in six states of the Federation.

This is also as it formally welcomed a newly sworn-in National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (rtd.).

Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, disclosed this on Thursday at a brief ceremony held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja to receive the new National Commissioner.

He said the bye-elections will be conducted alongside the Ekiti State Governorship Election scheduled for the same date.

According to him, the elections will cover senatorial vacancies in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo States, as well as a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State.

“We are going into some off-cycle elections very soon. The Ekiti State Governorship Election is scheduled for June 20, 2026. On the same date, the Commission will conduct bye-elections to fill vacant seats,” the INEC Chairman said.

“The senatorial seats declared vacant in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo States will be filled, alongside the Kebbi State House of Assembly seat and the House of Representatives seat in Kano State,” he added.

Speaking on the appointment of the new National Commissioner, Prof. Amupitan described Rear Admiral Malafa (rtd.) as a seasoned professional with extensive experience spanning military service and electoral operations.

He noted that she had previously worked with the Commission in the area of logistics and served as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy, bringing a wealth of administrative and legal expertise to her new role.

The Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to its constitutional mandate.

“Our responsibility is clear. We are committed to conducting elections into the offices of the President, National Assembly, Governors, State Houses of Assembly and Area Councils in a credible and transparent manner,” he said.

In her remarks, the newly sworn-in National Commissioner expressed appreciation for the reception accorded her and pledged to contribute meaningfully to the Commission’s work.

“I’m glad to be here and I thank you for the warm reception. I look forward to working with everyone for the development and stability of our country, and for the success of forthcoming elections,” she said.

The event was attended by National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of The Electoral Institute (TEI), senior officials of the Commission, and family members of the new National Commissioner.

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has cautioned financial technology companies across Nigeria to stay alert and protect their platforms from fraudsters.

He gave the warning in Abuja on Thursday, April 30, 2026, while addressing chief executive officers of fintech firms at an industry engagement meeting held at the commission’s corporate headquarters.

Olukoyede, while commending the executives for expanding financial access and driving innovation across the country, warned that the same opportunities have also been exploited by criminals to carry out fraudulent activities.

“The opportunities you have created have also given criminals the opportunity to perpetrate crimes, and over the years, we have discovered that there is a need for us to meet from time to time, even in the interest of your business. We will also tell you the things that we are privy to in respect of your operations and services that we think criminals are actually exploiting and how to block those spaces and strengthen the regulatory regime around the business you do,” he said.

The EFCC boss stressed the need for closer cooperation between the Commission and fintech operators, urging them to build a strong working relationship through information sharing.

He also advised the companies to protect their reputation, noting that trust remains their most valuable asset.

“It has taken some of you years to get to where you are, and I tell you, one mishandled transaction can destroy what you have built over ten years. You must be conscious of your reputation; that is the most valuable thing you need to grow in a business, not even the money. Once a reputation is damaged, you can hardly get it back. We want to collaborate with you, work with you, and that is one of the ways to fulfil our own mandate,” he said.

Olukoyede further urged stakeholders in the sector to work together to strengthen regulations and protect the economy from threats such as insecurity.

He specifically warned fintech firms to tighten their systems against terrorism financing by complying with existing rules on reporting suspicious transactions.

“We have been complaining about insecurity in Nigeria. Of course, we are also vested with the power to investigate terrorism financing, and one of the areas we have seen that these people exploit is your space. We think it is high time we did something about that. People pay ransom, and we discover that most times they collect the ransom through POS, so what can we do to tidy up this loose end, whether by virtue of doing your KYC or coming up with other ideas?” he said.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has advised Nigerians to study Kaduna State’s example of peaceful coexistence across faith lines and ethnicity.

Senator Tinubu gave the commendation during the flagging off ceremony for the distribution of 100 trucks of rice and N1.2 billion palliative support to vulnerable Muslim communities in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday.

Speaking at the event which took place at the Abba Kyari banquet hall, the First Lady noted that the gesture ‘’of solidarity to appreciate the Muslim Ummah of northern Nigeria. ‘’

‘’As we approach Eid el-Kabir, a season of sacrifice, compassion, and gratitude, through this intervention, we are translating the message of the season into palliatives for vulnerable Muslim communities across all 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory,’’ she added.

Senator Tinubu recalled that ‘’on the 23rd December, 2025, we distributed palliatives to Christian communities across northern Nigeria. Today, we fulfil the same commitment to our Muslim brothers and sisters.’’

The First Lady appealed to all communities across the North to continue to live together in love and with mutual respect.

‘’I urge all our religious and community leaders to continue to shoulder the responsibility of preaching the message of peace. A united Nigeria is one that can overcome any challenge,’’ she added.

Senator Tinubu thanked all the Ulamas, traditional and community leaders for their prayers and support for this administration, adding that ‘’I applaud the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari for his passion and dedication, and his entire team for coordinating this programme. ‘’

In his goodwill message, Governor Uba Sani paid tributes to the First Lady for her unwavering dedication to the welfare of the vulnerable which continues to inspire hope.

‘’Through your actions, you have demonstrated that true leadership is not merely about occupying high office, but about translating compassion into tangible impact,’’ he added.

The Governor recalled Senator Tinubu’s similar intervention late last year, when she reached out to Christian families across Northern Nigeria, by distributing Christmas packages.

‘’That noble gesture, much like the initiative we are witnessing Today, was far more than seasonal charity; it was a powerful expression of unity, inclusiveness, and shared humanity,’’ he noted

According to the Governor, the gesture ‘’conveyed a reassuring message that every Nigerian matters, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or social circumstance.’’

He argued that through the First Lady’s sustained philanthropy, she has elevated the standard of humanitarian service, adding that ‘’your interventions are thoughtful, inclusive, and deeply impactful, consistently reaching those at the margins of society.’’

‘’What makes your efforts particularly remarkable is their inclusiveness. Though Today’s programme is facilitated in
collaboration with the Muslim Intellectuals Forum, your compassion transcends all boundaries.

‘’Across Nigeria, both Muslims and Christians, as well as citizens from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, have benefited from your generosity. In doing so, you embody the finest ideals of our nation: unity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the common good,’’ he added.

Governor Uba Sani also reiterated that ‘’in Kaduna State, we remain resolute in our commitment to alleviating hardship and improving the wellbeing of our people.’’

‘’Through targeted social intervention, support for small and medium enterprises, youth empowerment initiatives, agricultural development, and sustained investment in security, we are working diligently to cushion the effects of economic reforms and enhance the quality of life for our citizens,’’ he added.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that low access to Early Childhood Education (ECE) across Northwest Nigeria is posing a serious threat to education outcomes in the region.

Dr. Karanveer Singh, Officer-in-Charge of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, disclosed this while speaking at a media dialogue on strengthening early childhood education in Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina, held in Dutse.

He revealed that only about 24 per cent of children in Jigawa State have access to ECE, while Kano has 29 per cent and Katsina 32 per cent.

Dr. Singh described the situation as alarming, saying that the majority of children in the region are missing the critical early learning phase that shapes cognitive, social, and emotional development.

According to him, children who lack access to quality early education are more likely to start primary school behind their peers and struggle to catch up, a factor contributing to the region’s growing out-of-school children crisis.

He further disclosed that foundational literacy levels in some parts of the region remain below 15 per cent, indicating that many children are unable to read at even the most basic level.

He linked this to limited parental awareness, a shortage of trained teachers, poor infrastructure, and inadequate learning materials, which continue to hinder the expansion of early childhood education.

The UNICEF official, however, stressed that the challenges are surmountable with stronger commitment and investment from state governments.

He called on the authorities in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa to prioritise early childhood education through increased funding, recruitment of qualified caregivers, and the expansion of child-friendly learning spaces.

UNICEF Education Specialist, Mustapha Shehu, said available data from MICS 2022 shows that, in Nigeria, only 37.8 per cent of children between the ages of three and four have access to early childhood education.

“Large inequalities persist, with 75 per cent of children aged 36 to 59 months in the richest wealth quintile attending early childhood education, while only 11 per cent of those in the lowest wealth quintile do,” he said.

Dr. Sunday Jacob, an education consultant, said Nigeria has 18.3 million out-of-school children, with Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina accounting for 30 per cent of the figure.

He said investing in early childhood education is fundamental to reducing the number of out-of-school children, as it contributes to 90 per cent of brain development.

He advised the states to create dedicated budget lines for early childhood education.

Responding, the Commissioners for Basic Education in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa pledged to ensure adequate budgetary provisions for early childhood education and the timely release of funds for the development of their respective states and the country at large.