News
FG Invites Over 65 World Leaders For Tinubu’s inauguration

Programmes and plans are in top gear Thursday, as Federal Government invites about 65 world leaders, including Heads of State to grace the inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, who will be sworn in as the 16th President of Nigeria on May 29.
Also expected at the nation’s seventh transition ceremony are past presidents, diplomats, heads of international organisations and prominent Nigerians and representatives of foreign governments and agencies.
According to the Federal Government, the inauguration programmes will begin on Thursday with the investiture of Tinubu with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic and the Vice-President-elect, Kashim Shettima, as the Grand Commander of Order of the Niger.
A director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to The PUNCH on Thursday that several African leaders had indicated interest in attending the inauguration ceremony which would take place at Eagle Square, Abuja.
“We have 54 countries in Africa and most of them have been invited to the inauguration; so, we don’t expect less than 65 world leaders from Africa, Europe and America at the event,’’ said the director, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue.
Representatives of Nigeria’s traditional allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, China, Germany, Finland, Jamaica, Japan, Israel, Turkey and several others are expected at the high-profile event.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday as activities for the transition of power to the incoming administration began, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, disclosed that scores of world leaders would attend the event.
The preparation for the swearing-in of the former Lagos State governor is gathering steam as the battle to nullify his election victory by the standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi continues at the Presidential Election Petitions Court.
News
Why LASG Suspends Land Reclamation Projects Across The State
Wahab also warned that the State government will effect the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved and or are found on the site of such illegality after the expiration of the 7 days warning.

The Lagos State Government on Thursday directed the immediate suspension of all reclamation projects across the state with or without Environmental Impact Assessment EIA approval and drainage clearance.
The directive was given in a statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab.
According to him, all approved Reclamation Projects across the State must be submitted for proper Documentation and Monitoring, while all on-going and intending ones must be subjected to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process with issuance of Approval and Drainage Clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
He warned that failure to comply with this directive within the next 7 DAYS will leave the Ministry with no other option than to deploy appropriate machineries to decommission the reclaimed sites including excavation and removal of fill and reconnecting of already blocked water channels on the Lagoon amongst others.
Wahab also warned that the State government will effect the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved and or are found on the site of such illegality after the expiration of the 7 days warning.
He expressed grave concern about the proliferation of reclamation activities on Wetlands, Floodplains and the Lagoons across the State.
He identified locations where such acts are prevalent to include Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, other parts of Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Ikorodu, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ojo and Badagry axis, without consideration of the adverse impacts on the environment and the wellbeing and safety of the good people of the State.
The Commissioner stressed that indiscriminate reclamation projects are being executed without requisite Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Approvals and Drainage Clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
He emphasised that while reclamation may provide space for Housing and Infrastructure redevelopment, it also poses significant Environmental and Social risks including increased vulnerability to flooding, coastal erosion, disruption of livelihood (especially fishing), loss of wetlands and biodiversity, constriction of the Lagoons and their capacity, impairment of water quality amongst others.
He stated that with the low-lying topography of Lagos State and its fragile ecosystem, the State Government cannot afford to allow this indiscriminate reclamation of the Lagoons, Wetlands and floodplains to continue unabated.
Signed Kunle AdeshinaDirector of Public AffairsMOE&WRSeptember 18, 2025
Business
Afriland Fire: United Capital Confirms Death of Six Staff, Death Toll Rises to 10

Financial services firm, United Capital Plc, has confirmed the death of six of its employees in the tragic fire that engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
This announcement brings the official death toll to ten, following an earlier confirmation by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) that four of its staff also died in the incident.

The fire, which broke out just before 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, tore through the six-storey commercial building, housing several offices and businesses, leaving widespread devastation and loss in its wake.
In an official statement released on Thursday, United Capital expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its staff.
“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers,” the statement read.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void.”
The company extended its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased, assuring them of continued support during this difficult time. Plans are underway for a memorial service to honour the victims.
United Capital also expressed appreciation to emergency responders for their swift intervention during the incident.
“In this moment of untold grief, we stand together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as we navigate this period. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the cause of the fire.
News
NNPC Trading Limited MD appointed as Nigeria’s OPEC representative
We congratulate Maryamu Idris, Managing Director of NNPC Trading Limited, on her appointment as the National Representative for Nigeria at the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Trading Limited says that its Managing Director, Maryamu Idris , has been appointed as Nigeria’s National Representative to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
NNPCL announced the development on its X handle on Wednesday, and said Idris’s new role marks a pivotal step in representing Nigeria’s interests within the influential cartel of oil-producing nations.
“We congratulate Maryamu Idris, Managing Director of NNPC Trading Limited, on her appointment as the National Representative for Nigeria at the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC),” the statement read.
The corporation hailed her achievements in many capacities in the oil sector.
Maryamu’s extensive experience in the energy sector includes leading Pricing and Valuation efforts within NNPC’s Crude Oil Marketing Division and serving as a Technical Advisor to Nigeria’s OPEC Delegation.
She also played a foundational role in Nigeria’s engagement with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and contributed to oil sector reforms through her work with the Bureau of Public Enterprises and the Oil and Gas Implementation Committee (OGIC).
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