News
JUST IN: FG to stop minerals testing abroad, unveil analysis lab
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has described African Natural Resources and Mines Limited as a valuable partner in the government’s efforts to promote local value addition in the mining sector.
Speaking at the commissioning of the ultra-modern mineral analysis laboratory in Sabon-Wuse, Niger State, Alake emphasised that the lab, the first of its kind in Nigeria, aligns with the key objectives of repositioning the mining sector in line with his 7-point agenda.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori, on Thursday, said the certified lab will significantly benefit the sector, as it will handle mineral samples that were previously sent abroad for testing.
“You are not only aligning with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda but also contributing to our ministry’s seven-point agenda, with local value addition being a critical component.
This internationally certified lab will significantly benefit the sector, as it will handle mineral samples that were previously sent abroad for testing, positioning Nigeria as a key player in global mineral analysis,” the minister stated.
Commending ANRML’s initiative, the minister urged the company, which also operates an iron ore mining and processing plant, to sustain its investment efforts, pledging the support of the Federal government for investments that will generate jobs for teeming youths in the country.
In his remarks, ANRML Group Managing Director, Alok Gupta, expressed his gratitude to the minister for commissioning the laboratory and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnering with the ministry to revolutionise the country’s mining landscape.
“The world-class laboratory commissioned today will be used to analyse solid mineral samples.
Recognising the need for such a facility in Nigeria, we decided to establish this laboratory using the latest technology.
0I am proud to announce that we are the only company in Nigeria certified with the prestigious ISO 7025 from the Canadian Association of Laboratory Abbreviations and other internationally recognized accreditation bodies for testing laboratories,” Mr Gupta asserted.
The ANRML laboratory, equipped with cutting-edge WDXRF machines, offers a comprehensive range of geochemical services tailored for the exploration and mining industries.
News
Lagos increases BRT fares by 13%
In a statement by LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, the revised fare structure will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.
The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 percent increase in fares across all services under the Bus Reform Initiative, which includes the Bus Rapid Transit system and standard bus routes throughout the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu granted the approval after receiving a passionate appeal from regulated public transport operators.
He highlighted the mounting challenges facing the long-term viability of their operations in Nigeria’s current economic climate.
In a statement by LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, the revised fare structure will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.
“The adjustment is designed to help offset the severe impact of ongoing economic pressures on public transport providers.
It also aligns with the state’s previously established annual fare review mechanism. The urgency of the measure is driven by persistent inflationary trends.
The statement added that bus operating companies have been contending with sharply rising expenses in several key areas, including vehicle maintenance and repairs, imported spare parts, and staff salaries, particularly following the rollout of the new national minimum wage.“
In addition, operators are committing significant resources to fleet renewal, procuring newer, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient buses to boost passenger comfort, maintain high service standards, and advance environmental sustainability goals in Lagos.
It also aligns with the state’s previously established annual fare review mechanism. The urgency of the measure is driven by persistent inflationary trends.
News
Fire Engulfs MMIA Terminal One, but no casualties
Eyewitnesses said that the blaze started on one of the affected floors before spreading to adjoining sections of the terminal.
Photo credit: Lagos State Fire Service
A fire has broken out on parts of the fourth and fifth floors of Terminal One at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, triggering an emergency response and temporary disruption of flight operations.
Eyewitnesses said that the blaze started on one of the affected floors before spreading to adjoining sections of the terminal.
The impacted areas have since been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Air Traffic Controllers stationed in the control tower were alerted to the incident and are reported to be safe, though closely monitoring the situation as emergency teams work to bring the fire under control.
As a result of the development, inbound flights to Lagos from other airports have been instructed to delay departure until the situation stabilises.
Aircraft already approaching Lagos may be required to remain airborne until clearance is given to land.
Fire and rescue officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are currently battling the blaze and intensifying efforts to contain it.
FAAN has confirmed that no casualties have been recorded at this time. Authorities say further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
News
El-Rufai takes ICPC to court, demands N1bn compensation over ‘unlawful invasion of residence’
El-Rufai urged the court to declare that the search warrant was “null and void for lack of particularity, material drafting errors, ambiguity in execution parameters, overbreadth, and absence of probable cause, thereby constituting an unlawful and unreasonable search in violation of Section 37 of the Constitution.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court Abuja , against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Enforcement Commissions (ICPC) over alleged unlawful invasion of his Abuja residence.
El-Rufai, through his team of lawyers led by Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, prayed the court to declare that the search warrant issued on February 4 by the Chief Magistrate, Magistrate’s Court of the FCT (2nd respondent), authorising the search and seizure at his residence was invalid, null and void.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former governor had, in the originating motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, sued ICPC as 1st respondent
.El-Rufai named the Chief Magistrate, Magistrate’s Court of the FCT, Abuja Magisterial District; I-G and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as the 2nd to 4th respondents respectively
El-Rufai urged the court to declare that the search warrant was “null and void for lack of particularity, material drafting errors, ambiguity in execution parameters, overbreadth, and absence of probable cause, thereby constituting an unlawful and unreasonable search in violation of Section 37 of the Constitution.”
He urged the court to declare that “any evidence obtained pursuant to the aforesaid invalid warrant and unlawful search is inadmissible in any proceedings against the applicant, as it was procured in breach of constitutional safeguards.
El-Rufai, therefore, sought an order of injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further relying on, using, or tendering any evidence or items seized during the unlawful search in any investigation, prosecution, or proceedings involving him.“
An order directing the Ist and 3rd respondents (ICPC and I-G) to forthwith return all items seized from the applicant’s premises during the unlawful search, together with a detailed inventory thereof.
“An order awarding the sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira) as general, exemplary, and aggravated damages against the respondents jointly and severally for the violations of the applicant’s fundamental rights, including trespass, unlawful seizure, and the resultant psychological trauma, humiliation, distress, infringement of privacy, and reputational harm.”
-
Crime22 hours agoSecret Service Kills Armed Intruder at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Residence
-
News22 hours agoNigeria Secures Major Victory in $6.2 Million Arbitration Against European Tech Firm
-
Politics22 hours agoFCT Elections Outcome, Impressive – Wike Reacts
-
News3 days agoUNICEF Lauds Nigeria’s Remarkable Progress in Birth Registration (Photos)
-
Crime1 day agoDelta APC Congress: Ibori’s Daughter Escapes Assassination Bid as Thugs Invade Ethiope West Venue
-
Politics2 days agoEFCC Deploys Operatives to Monitor FCT Area Council Elections, Targets Vote-Buying
-
Politics2 days agoWike Launches FCT Area Council Poll Monitoring at Lagos Crescent, Garki 2, Urges Traders to Ensure Compliance
-
Crime22 hours agoEFCC Nabs 20 in Vote-Buying Crackdown During FCT Council Polls
