The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that the United States Africa Command airstrike in Sokoto state highlights what it described as the incompetence of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement on Thursday by its spokesman, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said while it supports lawful efforts to protect Nigerians, the strike underscored a failure of governance that allowed a foreign military to carry out direct operations on Nigerian soil.

The ADC warned that permitting external forces to conduct military actions in the country is unsustainable and could undermine Nigeria’s long-term strategic and sovereign interests.

The party questioned Nigeria’s role in the operation, saying the Federal Government appeared to have been reduced to “mere informants” in an exercise it should have led.

It demanded clarification on the terms of engagement, operational control, and the number and identity of terrorists allegedly killed during the strike.

The ADC cautioned against what it called confusing “collaboration” with “myopic surrender”, adding that the handling of information surrounding the operation was troubling.

The party said it was concerning that Nigerians first learned of the airstrike through a social media post by the American president, rather than a direct communication from Nigeria’s leadership.

It added that statements by the Federal Government suggested Nigeria only provided intelligence while the United States conducted the operation.

The ADC asked why Nigeria, despite spending trillions of naira on security, was unable to lead the mission if it possessed actionable intelligence.

The party also expressed concern over what it described as the framing of Nigeria’s security challenges in religious terms by the United States, warning that such narratives could threaten national unity.

“There is a difference between strategic collaboration and myopic surrender that is ultimately counter-productive to national security and inimical to the long-term sovereign interests of Nigeria,” the party said.

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A prominent Catholic author, Deacon Nick Donnelly, has called for the immediate arrest of controversial Nigerian Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, following his comments on the United States’ Christmas Day airstrikes targeting insurgents in parts of Sokoto State.

The call came after Gumi criticised the airstrikes, urging the Federal Government to suspend any collaboration with the United States aimed at eliminating those he described as perpetrators of alleged genocide against Christians.

Reacting to Gumi’s remarks, Donnelly took to X to demand that the cleric be arrested and prosecuted.

In his post, Donnelly accused Gumi of opposing the military action against Islamist insurgents and allegedly referring to those responsible for attacks on Christians as “our warriors”.

He further stated that Gumi should be arrested and tried for crimes against humanity, adding that President Bola Tinubu must publicly condemn the cleric or risk being seen as complicit in his actions.

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The Big Tent Coalition, headed by Professor Pat Utomi, has sharply criticised the Nigerian Federal Government for what it described as hypocrisy, incoherence, and a lack of strategic clarity in handling the recent U.S. airstrikes against ISIS-linked terrorists in North-West Nigeria.

The strikes, carried out by the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with the United States, targeted identified ISIS-linked elements in Sokoto State. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the operation nearly 24 hours after it took place.

Government’s Contradictions Highlighted

The coalition noted a glaring contradiction in government actions. Just last month, the Presidency, through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, condemned Peter Obi for suggesting he would welcome U.S. military assistance if it improved national security.

Mr. Onanuga had warned that Nigerians would “never forget nor forgive” Mr. Obi for such statements.

Today, the same administration has endorsed and confirmed actual foreign military action on Nigerian soil.

Call for Apology to Peter Obi

Charles Odibo, Director of Media and Communication for the Big Tent Coalition, said: “The Tinubu administration owes Peter Obi an immediate and unreserved apology.

“You cannot vilify a prominent citizen for expressing a conditional policy opinion, only to turn around and implement that very option in practice. This flip-flop exposes a government that lacks clarity, coordination, and credibility in its approach to national security.”

Concerns Over Communication and Transparency

The coalition expressed concern over the Federal Government’s delayed and fragmented communication regarding the airstrikes.

While U.S. President Donald Trump publicly announced the operation, Nigerians had to wait nearly a full day to receive confirmation from multiple government sources.

Odibo questioned why, if Nigeria engaged in “structured security cooperation” with the U.S., the Presidency chose silence. He also criticised the inconsistent messaging from government officials and the politicisation of patriotic commentary.

Demand for Leadership and Clarity

The Big Tent Coalition urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a formal apology is issued to Peter Obi, enforce discipline and coherence in government communications on national security, and personally brief Nigerians on foreign security partnerships.

“The security of Nigeria is too serious for propaganda, knee-jerk attacks, and posturing. Leadership demands consistency, humility, and honesty with the Nigerian people,” Odibo added.

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By Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, working in collaboration with the United States of America, have carried out precision airstrike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements operating in parts of North-West Nigeria.

According to the military, the operation was conducted with the approval of the appropriate Federal Government authorities and forms part of ongoing, coordinated efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and other criminal groups threatening national security.

In a statement issued on the development, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the strikes were based on credible intelligence and meticulous operational planning.

He explained that the objective of the operation was to significantly degrade the operational capabilities of the targeted elements while ensuring that collateral damage was kept to the barest minimum.

Major General Uba noted that the joint operation reflects the determination of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with strategic international allies, to confront transnational terrorism and prevent foreign fighters from establishing or expanding their presence within the country’s borders.

He further reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the protection of lives and property, stressing that the military remains resolute in supporting joint and inter-agency initiatives aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across all parts of the country.

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• …issues 7-day ultimatum

Stakeholders under the aegis of the Niger Delta Rights Advocates (NDRA) have called for the prosecution of individuals allegedly blackmailing the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The group issued a seven-day ultimatum, demanding that those making allegations against the minister substantiate their claims with credible evidence or face legal action.

Speaking on behalf of the group, NDRA spokesperson, Mr. Darlington Nwauju, described the allegations as malicious, defamatory and politically motivated, warning that unproven accusations pose a serious threat to democratic accountability and individual reputations.

Nwauju challenged the accusers to publicly present verifiable proof of the forgery allegations, stressing that claims made without evidence amount to defamation under the law.

“He that alleges must show proof,” he said, adding that the continued circulation of unsubstantiated claims was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and damage the image of the Interior Minister.

According to Nwauju, a Mr. Isaiah Davies Ijele from Kogi State is at the centre of what he described as a coordinated smear campaign against Dr. Tunji-Ojo.

He alleged that Ijele operates through multiple unregistered organisations purportedly created solely to target the minister. Among the groups listed were Accountability Front for Justice and Good Governance, National Youth Reform Coalition, Civil Action Network for Transparency, Police Integrity Movement, Nigeria Integrity Movement, Integrity and Transparency Alliance, and Centre for Leadership Legacy.

Nwauju claimed the organisations lack verifiable track records, identifiable trustees or evidence of sustained civil society engagement, describing them as “briefcase organisations” allegedly formed to give credibility to repeated petitions against public officials.

He further referenced a petition dated October 17, 2025, with reference number AFJGG/CC/001, reportedly submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Presidency, alleging that investigations showed the organisations behind the petition were linked to the same individual and had no history of advocacy work.

“We want to confirm to the press today that the arrowhead of these malicious and defamatory allegations against Dr. Tunji-Ojo is one individual who is the president, founder and proprietor of these unregistered groups,” Nwauju stated.

Addressing the substance of the allegations, Nwauju said independent investigations showed that Dr. Tunji-Ojo was duly remobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2019. 

He, however, said his discharge certificate was reportedly omitted due to an administrative lapse during processing.

Nwauju said that the minister formally requested the issuance of his discharge certificate from NYSC management on October 18, 2022, and subsequently received it on February 28, 2023.

He said the facts were corroborated by investigative reports published by Premium Times using information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, which, according to him, clarified the circumstances surrounding the certificate.

Describing the continued allegations as extortionate and politically motivated, the he issued a seven-day ultimatum, effective from December 25, 2025, for the accusers to publish credible evidence supporting their claims.

 Nwauju said his organisation would be compelled to petition relevant authorities to investigate and prosecute those involved for defamation and attempted extortion.

He strongly defended Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s performance in office, describing him as one of the most effective ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

According to Nwauju, the Ministry of Interior under Tunji-Ojo’s leadership has recorded significant improvements in service delivery, personnel welfare, and job creation across paramilitary agencies.

He claimed that more than 75,000 personnel had been promoted within two years, while about 30,000 young Nigerians had secured pensionable employment — a development he said marked a clear departure from past recruitment practices.

Nwauju referenced previous mass recruitment exercises in agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, which he said were poorly managed and allegedly led to tragic loss of lives across the country.

“This minister has changed that very ugly narrative. We cannot afford to sacrifice one of our best on the altar of sponsored media campaigns or abandon him to the ferocious attacks of enemies of excellence and sterling performance.”

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Arne Slot believes Hugo Ekitike’s run of five goals in four matches indicates the striker has heeded the Liverpool manager’s advice when it comes to improving his fitness.

The 23-year-old scored on his first three appearances after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt but that achievement was somewhat overshadowed by the £125 million ($169 million) arrival of Alexander Isak at Anfield.

Ekitike only managed three goals in his next 17 matches as the British record signing struggled to get to grips with the repeated demands of English football.

But with the injured Isak now set to be sidelined for several months and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Merseyside club are looking to the Frenchman to lead the line.

Slot believes much of Ekitike’s recent progress can be attributed to better physical condition, although the Dutch boss said he had to convince the forward that such work was needed.

“He showed a lot of hard work to get to this fitness level where he is at the moment,” Slot said ahead of Saturday’s match at home to basement club Wolves.

“It sometimes took us –- me –- a bit of convincing that this all is actually needed to become stronger but he always did it, not always with a smile on his face but he has worked really hard to get fitter on and off the pitch.”

Slot added: “I’ve tried to convince him as well, the better you defend a set-piece the bigger chance you have to score at the other end, because if you are 0-0 it is easier to score a goal than if you are 1-0 down.”

Reigning champions Liverpool are on a run of six games unbeaten in all competitions, following a woeful sequence of nine losses in 12 that left them all but out of title contention this season.

They are now fifth in the table, but still 10 points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, with Slot adamant there has not been as wide a gap in their form as suggested by those two runs.

“The main thing that has changed is, apart from the second half against Brighton (2-0 win on December 13), we haven’t conceded that many chances as we did in the run we had before,” he said.

“I also think we have been a bit more lucky than in the games before because we have played games where we were so much better than the other teams.

“In the last game against Spurs (2-1 win last Saturday) I don’t think we had many more chances against them and against Brighton it was equal as well, and those two games we won.

“Many times we have been so unlucky with the result, almost every time, but in the last two games I wouldn’t say we didn’t deserve it but they were more equal games than many others we have played which we lost.”

The post Liverpool boss Slot says Ekitike reaping rewards for greater physicality appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Afenifere, the prominent Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, has thrown its weight behind the joint US-Nigeria military airstrikes targeting ISIS terrorists in Nigeria’s North-West zone.

The foremost Yoruba organisation declared that true sovereignty demands protecting citizens from unrelenting violence.

In a statement signed by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, the group commended the Defence Headquarters’ confirmation that the Thursday’s strikes, executed with Nigerian government’s approval, were both timely and essential, following years of insecurity gripping communities.

Omololu emphasised that Nigerians have endured too long under attacks, kidnappings, and destruction, with past governance failures creating a void now filled by capable allies like the United States.

“At this critical juncture, the involvement of the United States in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations deserves recognition, not condemnation.

“True sovereignty is measured not by rhetoric but by the capacity to protect citizens, enforce the rule of law, and secure the nation’s borders,” he stated

The organisation hinted that the “swift and coordinated” response was proof of the federal government’s resolve to restore stability.

Afenifere, however, urged citizens, leaders, and civil society to rally behind the government rather than offer ‘misplaced criticism’.

While calling for solidarity to eradicate terror, Afenifere applauded the “courage, professionalism, and decisive action” of both Nigerian and US forces.

The group reaffirmed its support for any measures, domestic or international, that ensure Nigerians live free from fear.

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The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, says its C-130 aircraft, NAF 913, has arrived at a maintenance facility in Lisbon, Portugal, its final destination.

Recall that Burkina Faso had earlier detained the aircraft and its personnel over alleged airspace violations and breach of sovereignty on December 8, 2025.

DAILY POST reports that the personnel were later released about 10 days after a high-level Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, met with Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré and other members of his administration.

Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the aircraft arrived after a ferry flight conducted in line with an updated flight plan and aviation safety procedures.

“The Nigerian Air Force confirms that its C-130 aircraft (NAF 913) arrived safely at the maintenance facility, OGMA, in Lisbon, Portugal today, 26 December 2025.

“The ferry flight was successfully completed, transiting Banjul and Casablanca in line with an updated flight plan and established aviation safety procedures.

“The aircraft and crew arrived without incident, marking the final phase of the movement for the scheduled depot maintenance. All personnel are safe and remain in high spirits,” the statement read in part.

NAF expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support of the host authorities throughout the transit.

It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of safety, professionalism and operational accountability.

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A security expert, Zagazola Makama, has opined that the United States’ multiple airstrikes in Sokoto State had no impact on the insurgents terrorising parts of Nigeria.

Naija News recall that the US military on Christmas night launched attacks on terrorists in Sokoto State, causing panic in the state, but details of casualties were not disclosed.

In a viral video, residents of the Jabo community in Tambuwal Local Government Area of the state were seen in panic after one of the airstrikes landed in the community and went up in flames.

In a post via 𝕏 on Friday, Makama said the airstrikes were aimed at the wrong target as the bombs landed on a farm, stressing that the area of strikes is also predominantly 98% Muslim population and does not pose any threat to the Christian Genocide.

He wrote, “Those Asking for our opinion on the U.S. Strike in Sokoto. Well, the Bombs Dropped in a Relatively Safe Part of Sokoto State with no impact.

“Jabo is a farming community under Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and it has no single record of ISIS and ISWAP activity.

“We welcome U.S interventions to assist Nigeria, but certainly Jabo community in Sokoto was a wrong target for ISWAP, Boko Haram or ISIS who are known to be operating in the North East Nigeria.

“Even JNIM a.k.a Lakurawa do not have any base in North West. The area of strikes is also predominantly 98 Muslim population and does not possess any threat to Christian Genocide. It is a case of bandits terrorizing muslims.

“The strikes and more to come is a welcome development as it will send a big message”.

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At least eleven people have lost their lives, while twelve others were seriously injured in a fatal road accident along the Ringim to Beguwa Road in Jigawa State.

The crash happened at about 4:45 pm on Thursday, roughly 20 kilometres from Ringim, and involved a commercial red Volkswagen Golf carrying 23 passengers.

The Ringim Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, CRC Ado Adamu, confirmed the incident, saying preliminary findings point to overloading, excessive speed, and a tyre burst, which caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Related

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The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed a deadly road accident that claimed 11 lives and left nine others injured.
The crash happened on Thursday, December 25, 2025, around 4:30pm at Bagewu village in Ringim Local Government Area.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, on December 25, 2025 said the accident involved a red Golf 3 saloon car with registration number LNG 983 XA (Jos).

Police said the vehicle was driven by a 45-year-old man from Randawa village in Mani lican of Katsina State. The car was carrying 20 passengers , six men, eight women and six children, travelling from Masaka village in Ningi local government of Bauchi State to Dutsi village in Mani local government, Katsina State.

According to the police, the accident occurred when the vehicle’s front tyre burst while in motion.

The driver lost control and the car crashed into a tree.

Eleven passengers died on the spot, while the remaining nine occupants, including the driver, sustained injuries.

The injured victims were rushed to the nearest hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment and responding well.

The Jigawa State Police Command said an investigation into the incident has begun.

The command also warned motorists to avoid speeding and overloading, and advised drivers to always check their vehicles properly before setting out on any journey.

It stressed that anyone found violating traffic laws will be arrested and prosecuted.

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The Nigerian Army has debunked reports that it has started recruitment for the 2026 Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) or Short Service Commission (SSC).

The Army, in a statement on Friday, by the Acting Director, Directorate of Army Public Relations, Colonel Anele Appolonia, said reports that the Nigerian Army Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29 Application Form 2026 is available are false.

He urged members of the public to disregard the said advertisement, as it did not emanate from the Nigerian Army or any of its authorized channels.

The Army cautioned the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudsters who use fake recruitment notices to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals.

The full statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a recruitment advertisement circulating on social media and other online platforms, falsely informing the public that, the “Nigerian Army Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29 Application Form 2026” is available.

“This is fake, false and misleading as no such advertisement was authorized by the Nigerian Army.

“The Nigerian Army has not commenced any recruitment or commissioning exercise for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) or Short Service Commission (SSC) at this time. Members of the public are therefore strongly advised to disregard the said advertisement, as it did not emanate from the Nigerian Army or any of its authorized channels.

“The Nigerian Army emphasizes that whenever recruitment exercises are approved to commence, the public will be duly informed through the official platforms, including the Nigerian Army website, official social media accounts and through publications on the national dailies along with other verified communication channels, with adequate publicity.

“Members of the public are further cautioned to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudsters who use fake recruitment notices to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals. The Nigerian Army does not charge any fee for recruitment into its ranks.

“Anyone with information regarding such fraudulent activities or individuals involved is encouraged to promotly report to the nearest security agency or appropriate authorities for necessary action.”

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Human rights lawyer and social critic, Dele Farotimi, has criticised reported United States US military airstrikes on ISIS-linked targets in Nigeria, calling them a breach of national sovereignty.

He said the alleged action reflects deeper leadership failures and the inability of Nigerian authorities to independently protect the country’s territorial integrity.

Farotimi reacts to reported US involvement

Farotimi made the remarks in a post on his X handle while reacting to reports of US involvement in counter-terrorism operations in north-west Nigeria.

He argued that Nigeria’s sovereignty has been repeatedly weakened by political leaders who lack the resolve to defend the nation without foreign intervention.

The lawyer said foreign military actions within Nigeria’s borders highlight long-standing governance problems and weak assertion of independence in security matters.

Claims of past foreign influence

Drawing from regional events, Farotimi recalled an incident involving France and neighbouring Benin Republic.

“Macron sent a now-disgraced Nigeria to bomb coupists in sovereign Benin,” Farotimi wrote.

He alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acted without legislative approval and placed Nigeria’s sovereignty under foreign influence.

Farotimi further claimed that the reported US airstrikes under President Donald Trump followed a similar pattern of external disregard.

“(Trump) peeing over Nigeria’s sovereignty,” he said, accusing Nigeria’s political elite of enabling such actions through silence and complicity.

He added that foreign powers act boldly because Nigeria’s leadership has failed to demand accountability or firmly assert national independence in security affairs.

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Chinua Soludo, son of Govenor Chukwuma Soludo, paid an unscheduled visit to three hospitals in Anambra state on Christmas Day, where he cleared the medical bills of several patients.

The visits, which took him to hospitals in Adazi-Nnukwu, Nnobi, and Ekwulobia, were carried out in the spirit of the Christmas season.

Beneficiaries and their relatives received the gesture with prayers for divine blessings and protection, with many moved to tears.

At St. Joseph Hospital in Adazi-Nnukwu, Anaocha local government area, Chinua cleared outstanding hospital bills for more than five patients and provided transport fares to enable them return home to celebrate Christmas with their families.

One of the patients at the hospital, who owed ₦933,500 and had been detained after discharge, had her bill fully settled and was also assisted with transport fare.

At Nnobi General Hospital, Chinua cleared a bill of over ₦120,000 for a patient who had been treated for acute malaria.

The patient was thereafter discharged to reunite with family members for the Christmas celebration.

In Ekwulobia, Chinua visited Ekwulobia General Hospital, where he paid the hospital bills of nearly 10 women and also provided transport assistance.

Around the same period last year, Chinua carried out a similar hospital outreach at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital in Awka, where he cleared the medical bills of dozens of patients.

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The Federal Government has secured about $1.2 billion in financing from the United Arab Emirates to advance construction of a key segment of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.

The Presidency made this announcement in a statement on Friday, according to Bloomberg.

The funding will be applied to a 56-kilometre section of the coastal freeway, one of the Federal Government’s flagship infrastructure projects.

When completed, the highway is expected to span 700 kilometres along Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline, linking major economic and commercial centres.

What FG is saying 

President Bola Tinubu said the deal ensures uninterrupted progress on the project as the government intensifies efforts to close Nigeria’s infrastructure gap.

“This is a major achievement, and closing this transaction means the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will continue unimpeded,” President Bola Tinubu said in the statement. 

He added that the government would continue to pursue creative financing options to support large-scale infrastructure development across the country.

Context and backstory 

In July, Nigeria secured an additional $747 million in financing for another section of the same highway, demonstrating the project’s scale and phased funding structure.

• The deal was led by Deutsche Bank, acting as the Global Coordinator and Lead Arranger, alongside a consortium of international and regional lenders.
• In addition to Deutsche Bank, the loan syndicate includes prominent institutions such as First Abu Dhabi Bank, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Nexent Bank N.V. (formerly Credit Europe Bank N.V.), and Nigeria’s own Zenith Bank.
• The loan was fully underwritten by First Abu Dhabi Bank, with risk mitigation provided by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, reflecting growing Gulf participation in Nigeria’s infrastructure financing.
• Hitech Construction’s Managing Director, Dany Abboud, confirmed that over 70% of the section is completed.

He emphasised that the use of CRCP technology would ensure unmatched durability and cost efficiency, setting a new standard for road construction in Nigeria.

The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway has been positioned as a transformative transport corridor aimed at improving logistics, trade, tourism and regional integration.

What this means 

The latest UAE-backed facility strengthens funding certainty for one of Nigeria’s largest road projects and signals sustained international confidence in the country’s infrastructure programme.

If delivered as planned, the coastal highway could significantly reduce travel time, stimulate coastal economic activity, and enhance connectivity between southern states—key objectives of the Tinubu administration’s growth and development agenda.

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