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N712bn for Airports? ADC Accuses FG of Squandering Public Funds Amid Soaring Hardship

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the Bola Tinubu-led administration for approving over N712 billion for the renovation of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, describing the project as extravagant, ill-timed, and a gross misplacement of priorities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, labelled the expenditure as “fiscally reckless” and “insensitive,” especially in light of Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis.

President Tinubu had approved the sum of N712.3 billion for the airport’s upgrade under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, a move formally announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

Keyamo explained that this would be the first major overhaul of the airport’s old terminal since its commissioning in 1979, arguing that the terminal had fallen into disrepair due to decades of overuse and neglect.

However, the ADC questioned the rationale behind the massive spend, raising concerns about legislative oversight, budgetary approval, and the real necessity of such a renovation.

“The African Democratic Congress strongly condemns the outrageous N712 billion airport renovation as yet another act of fiscal irresponsibility and government disconnect from the suffering of Nigerians,” the party said.

“In a country where public universities are chronically underfunded, where access to basic healthcare is now a luxury, and where millions have been plunged into poverty by poorly conceived policies, it is unconscionable to sink such an amount into one airport.”

The party argued that what Nigeria’s aviation sector requires is not “another gold-plated terminal,” but efficient maintenance, modernization, and investment in regional airports to boost real connectivity across the country.

For context, the ADC pointed out that the $500 million (N712bn) earmarked for this single project is equivalent to the entire sum used to construct four new international terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt in 2014, funded through a Chinese loan which remains unpaid.

The party also reminded Nigerians that the Murtala Muhammed Airport already received a new international terminal commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2022, featuring:

  • 66 check-in counters

  • A landmass of 56,000 sqm

  • A processing capacity of 14 million passengers annually

  • Seven jet bridges, advanced baggage systems, duty-free shops, cooling and heat extraction units, and a 22-room hotel

Yet, despite its capacity, the airport reportedly processed just 6.5 million passengers in 2024, less than half its installed potential.

“We are left wondering: Is this the same airport now slated for another renovation? Or is the government repackaging an existing project to justify another round of extravagant spending? Either the previous APC administration misled Nigerians about its achievements, or the current government is about to waste public funds on duplicative infrastructure,” the ADC stated.

Even more disturbing, the party said, is the lack of National Assembly approval or public breakdown of costs.

“How does the government commit nearly a trillion naira without appropriation, public debate, or due procurement processes? Under what section of the Constitution is this justified?”

The ADC warned that such spending only worsens Nigeria’s debt burden and comes at a time when resources are needed for critical sectors such as:

  • Establishing world-class teaching hospitals

  • Funding free education in underserved regions

  • Implementing rural electrification projects

  • Rehabilitating federal roads and bridges

“We call for the immediate suspension of this project, a transparent, independent audit of the proposed expenditure, and the redirection of funds to more pressing areas that can positively impact ordinary Nigerians.”

The party warned that in an era of mass poverty, insecurity, and hunger, reckless government spending only widens the trust deficit between the people and their leaders.

In defence, Minister Keyamo clarified that the renovation will focus on Terminal One, which he said has been deteriorating for years. He explained that the entire structure—including the roof—would be stripped down to its carcass, redesigned, and rebuilt to meet modern international aviation standards.

“Over the years, we’ve merely done patch jobs to keep it presentable. The plan now is to reconfigure and completely rebuild the terminal to handle increased passenger traffic and deliver a world-class facility,” Keyamo said.

Despite his assurances, the ADC remains firm in its stance, calling the project a symbol of misplaced priorities and a test case for Nigerians to demand greater accountability.

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‘Bala Mohammed Is The Incoming Senate President’ – Makinde Makes Stunning Claim.

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The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has predicted that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed will become Nigeria’s next Senate President if the party wins the 2027 general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Makinde made the declaration on Thursday during the APM South-West town hall meeting in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

He expressed confidence that the party would secure a sweeping victory in the 2027 polls, describing its agenda as a plan to reset the country.

Makinde made the prediction after Mohammed was introduced at the gathering and described as an incoming senator.

Speaking at the event, the APM presidential candidate said, “Well, APM is going to win this election overwhelmingly because this is the reset agenda being put before Nigerians, so I dare to say that my national leader is the incoming Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He urged Nigerians to listen to the party’s message and support its proposed agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.

Makinde also discussed the qualities he believes Nigerians should consider when choosing their next president, arguing that physical energy and the ability to tackle national challenges should take precedence over age.

According to him, the next president must possess the stamina to work long hours and respond effectively to the country’s pressing problems.

He stated, “While I will not make age an issue in this campaign, I will make energy, having energy, being able to stay up late to deal with the challenges we face as a country.”

Makinde further challenged presidential candidates to demonstrate their physical fitness, urging voters to consider their capacity to handle the demands of the presidency.

“So please, when they bring their presidential candidates, let the candidates be able to jump, and if they can do that, vote for them,” he added.

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NELFUND Sounds Fresh Alarm, Warns Students Over Loan Applications.

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has cautioned students against applying for education loans they do not need, emphasising that the scheme is voluntary and designed to assist those who cannot afford the cost of their studies.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The fund clarified that students who can comfortably pay their tuition fees and other educational expenses without financial assistance are under no obligation to apply for the loans.

NELFUND disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday and signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

According to the agency, the student loan scheme was established to ensure that financial difficulties do not prevent eligible Nigerians from pursuing higher education.

It stressed that making the programme compulsory for all students, regardless of their financial circumstances, would undermine its original purpose.

“The student loan scheme is a support mechanism, not an obligation,” the fund stated.

NELFUND urged tertiary institutions, student leaders and other stakeholders to provide accurate information about the programme and guide students who genuinely require financial assistance through the application process.

The agency also highlighted that the loans are interest-free, describing them as an option for students struggling to meet the financial demands of their education.

However, it reminded prospective applicants that the loans must be repaid in accordance with the provisions of the Student Loans Act.

The fund advised students to carefully review the terms and conditions of the facility before applying to ensure they understand their repayment obligations and avoid potential difficulties in the future.

NELFUND reiterated that its primary objective is to ensure that eligible Nigerian students are not denied access to educational opportunities because of financial constraints.

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BATSOF-FCT Targets Grassroots Mobilisation For Tinubu’s 2027 Victory

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 ....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Front, BATSOF-FCT, was on Tuesday inaugurated in Abuja with a charge to members to take the Renewed Hope Agenda to every ward in the Territory.

In his inaugural address, the Convener of BATSOF-FCT, Hon. Bola Asiru Balogun, commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for making Abuja work again and for providing an enabling environment for grassroots mobilisation.

According to him, Wike’s excellent performance as FCT Minister has made the task of the group easier by 50 percent.
He said BATSOF is not just another support group, but a movement that has existed since 2003.

“BATSOF was formed in Lagos not only to mobilise votes for the re-election of Asiwaju as second term Governor, but to propagate and defend his leadership ideals, now captioned as Renewed Hope Agenda, and to promote it as a panacea for equality and service delivery amongst public leaders,” Balogun said.

He disclosed that BATSOF-FCT will focus on three key objectives in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
“One, to defend the Renewed Hope Agenda with facts and figures, not propaganda. Two, to explain the reforms of Mr. President to the common man at the grassroots. Three, to deliver votes and goodwill for Asiwaju and all APC candidates in the FCT come 2027,” he said.

Balogun urged members to counter fake news being spread by the opposition on social media with verifiable projects on ground.

“Distinguished guests, look around Abuja today, development has been made. Our job is to go ward to ward to tell the story, because the opposition is spreading fake news on social media, but we have real projects on ground to counter their false narrative,” he stated.

He announced that from today, BATSOF will be present in all 62 wards of the six Area Councils of the FCT, not as noise makers but as grassroots mobilisers.

“Today, as BATSOF FCT executive gets inaugurated, our loyalty is to Mr. President, we will be loyal to the party, APC, to the FCT Administration and work day and night to ensure that President Tinubu gets massive votes in the FCT in 2027. We shall collaborate with other groups to bring this to reality,” he said.

The Convener recalled that BATSOF delivered in 2003 when South-West states were lost to the opposition, yet Asiwaju was returned as Lagos State Governor for a second term.

“We want to break the jinx of a ruling party not winning a second term in general elections in the Federal Capital Territory and deliver massive votes for Mr. President as our compensation for his performance in this first term, thereby changing the narrative in his time as President and the APC as a political party,” he added.

He therefore called on all members, both new and old, to return to their various wards and open BATSOF ward offices, even in their sitting rooms if they have no office.

“Hold small meetings, explain the Renewed Hope Agenda to the electorate. Identify five people on each street in your neighbourhood and convince them to join the progressives,” Balogun charged.

CHIEF DAYO LAWAL DIRECTOR, MEDIA & PUBLICITY BATSOF-FCT 20/10/2026

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