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State Governments Can Offset, Waive Minor Fines Owed By Inmates – Aregbesola

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The Federal Government has revealed that state governors can offset or grant waivers to inmates with fines less than N1 million.

This is according to the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, during the commissioning of a 20-bed space medical facility at Port Harcourt maximum security custodial centre.

Aregbesola said while the Federal Government is finding long time solutions to the challenge of prison decongestion, the State Government can in the meantime provide basic supports, like offsetting the meager fines and debts, building court houses at the correctional services premises or try the defendants virtually from the Correctional Centres for speedy determination of cases.

He held that some of the inmates are held behind bars for minor offences that can be easily waved by the states.

The Minister further stated that he recently asked the comptroller of Correctional centres to compile the list of inmates whose reason for incarceration is a fine or a debt not more than one million naira that are meant to be paid to the state governments.

According to him, about 5,000 inmates where shortlisted under this category and most of them have stayed long enough in the care of the Federal Government to consume foods worth more than they are supposed to pay as fines and debt to the states.

According to him, in Rivers State, there are about 22 of such inmates and the 22 of them are collectively owing a little above 3million naira, an amount he thinks the State Government can offset or wave for the inmates to be freed.

The minister noted that apart from reducing the financial burden on the Federal Government, such decisions by the state will also help in decongesting the correctional centres.

He said for instance, the Maximum facility in Port Harcourt was built 1,800 inmates, but as of May 12, 2023 the centre was holding 3,100 inmates.

While emphasizing that the situation in Port Harcourt is a reflection of the cases in most of the facilities across the country, the minister said Additionally, the Federal Government is building 6 mega facilities with at least 3,000 capacity in the six geopolitical zones to further decongest the existing facilities.

The one for the South-South is located in Bori in Khana Local Government Area of the Ogoni ethnic group in Rivers State.

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Lagos Announces Traffic Diversions for Wednesday and Thursday Project Commissionings

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The Lagos State Government has unveiled a comprehensive traffic diversion plan for Wednesday, April 8, and Thursday, April 9, 2026, in preparation for the commissioning of several key infrastructure projects by President Bola Tinubu.

According to the state Ministry of Transportation, partial road closures and diversions will be implemented in affected areas to ensure smooth movement during the events, which include the inauguration of the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge and other major projects such as the Lagos State Geographic Information Service building in Alausa and the Tolu Schools Complex.

On Wednesday, April 8, diversions will be enforced around venues for the commissioning ceremonies, while on Thursday, April 9, restrictions will apply between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. during the Tolu Schools Complex event and additional project unveilings.

Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays. The government urged residents and commuters to cooperate with traffic management officials and security personnel deployed to the areas.

The projects form part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and education facilities across the state. Further details on specific diversion routes are expected to be released by the Ministry of Transportation in the coming hours.

Commuters are encouraged to monitor official announcements via Lagos State traffic radio and social media handles for real-time updates.

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Abiodun Presents Ceremonial Sword to Tinubu, Urges Sustained War on Crime

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Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has presented a ceremonial sword to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, symbolically conferring on him the title of “Jagaban” (leader of warriors and conquerors), while calling for continued aggressive action against crime and insecurity across Nigeria.

The presentation took place during President Tinubu’s official visit to Ogun State on Saturday, where he was received warmly by the governor and other dignitaries.

Governor Abiodun described the sword as a mark of appreciation and a charge to the President to press on with his administration’s security efforts.

In his remarks, Abiodun reminded Tinubu of the strong political and personal ties between them, noting that Ogun State was where the President had previously made significant declarations.

He urged Tinubu to maintain the momentum in the war against criminal elements, banditry, and other threats to national peace.

President Tinubu, who has repeatedly vowed to defeat insecurity by mobilising all military and law enforcement assets, received the gift amid smiles and applause. His administration has emphasised reforms in security architecture, including procurement of new equipment for the armed forces and enhanced coordination among agencies.

The event formed part of a broader visit during which the President is expected to commission key infrastructure projects in the state, including developments linked to the Gateway International Airport. Governor Abiodun used the occasion to commend Tinubu’s economic reforms, such as foreign exchange unification and fuel subsidy removal, describing them as necessary steps that are already yielding positive impacts.

Security analysts view the symbolic gesture as a show of solidarity between the state and federal government in tackling Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. The “Jagaban” title, rooted in Yoruba cultural and warrior traditions, underscores expectations of strong, decisive leadership in the ongoing fight against crime.

The Presidency has not issued a detailed official statement on the sword presentation, but sources close to the visit described it as a morale-boosting moment that reinforced the alliance between the two leaders.

This development comes as the federal government continues to prioritise national security, with recent commitments to equip the military and intensify operations against threats in various parts of the country.

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BudgIT appoints Nigeria Country Director

He brought with him a track record in governance, research, and institutional leadership.

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BudgIT has appointed Mr. Vahyala Kwaga as Country Director for Nigeria.

The appointment took effect on April 1, 2026.Kwaga was appointed following a leadership transition within the civic-tech organisation.

He brought with him a track record in governance, research, and institutional leadership.

Since joining BudgIT in 2021, Kwaga has held several leadership roles, including Senior Researcher, Head of the Open Government and Institutional Partnerships (OGIP) Unit, Group Head of Research and OGIP, and Deputy Country Director.

In these positions, he contributed to strengthening BudgIT’s research output, deepening its policy engagement, and improving coordination across programmes.

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