Lagos State

By Ibrahim Happiness

I read with keen interest two articles published on June 2, 2026. One was the fact that Murtala Muhammed International Airport  is not insured, and another titled, “Teachers from Hell.” Though they address different issues, both expose a troubling reality in Nigeria: the persistent failure to enforce laws and regulations designed to protect citizens.

The article on the insurance status of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) raises serious questions about accountability in public institutions. If indeed Nigeria’s busiest airport operated without adequate insurance coverage despite clear regulatory requirements, then this represents not merely an administrative oversight but a failure of governance. The existence of regulations means little when compliance is not enforced.

What makes the situation particularly concerning is that the consequences of such lapses are often borne by the public. The approval of hundreds of billions of naira for airport rehabilitation highlights the enormous cost of neglecting basic risk management measures. Nigerians deserve to know how such a critical national asset was allowed to operate without the safeguards prescribed by law and who should be held responsible.

The article’s call for accountability is therefore timely and necessary. Beyond assurances and directives, there should be transparency regarding the circumstances that led to the lapse and concrete measures to prevent a recurrence. Public confidence can only be restored when accountability is visible and meaningful.

The second article, “Teachers from Hell,” addresses an equally disturbing issue: the violation of trust within educational institutions. Reports of teachers and school officials involved in kidnapping, sexual abuse, and other crimes against children are deeply troubling. Schools are meant to be safe spaces where children learn, grow, and develop. When those entrusted with their care become perpetrators of abuse, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate victims.

The cases highlighted in the article demonstrate the urgent need for stronger safeguarding measures in schools. Thorough background checks, effective monitoring systems, child protection policies, and accessible reporting channels must become standard practice across both public and private educational institutions.

Equally important is the need to educate children about personal safety and their rights. Awareness empowers children to recognise inappropriate behaviour and seek help when necessary. At the same time, swift prosecution of offenders remains essential to ensuring justice and deterring future abuse.

Although one article focuses on airport management and the other on child protection, both ultimately point to the same challenge: the gap between policy and implementation. Nigeria has laws, regulations, and institutional frameworks in place. What is often lacking is the commitment to enforce them consistently and effectively.

The fire incident at MMIA and the abuse cases in schools are reminders that regulations alone cannot guarantee safety. Without accountability, oversight, and enforcement, even the best policies become little more than words on paper.

Nigeria’s progress will not be measured by the number of laws it enacts but by how faithfully those laws are implemented. Citizens deserve institutions that uphold standards, protect lives, and act responsibly before crises occur, rather than after the damage is done.

Ibrahim Happiness is a 300-level student in Strategic Communication at the University of Abuja. She can be reached at: happinessibrahim11@gmail.com.

By Abashi Rahab

I read the article titled “End ‘One-Way’ Driving on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway,” published on June 2, 2026, with mixed feelings. The article rightly draws attention to the growing menace of motorists driving against traffic on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways and to the tragic consequences that often follow. The reported death of a dispatch rider is a painful reminder of the dangers associated with this reckless and unlawful practice.

‎I fully agree that one-way driving poses a serious threat to public safety and should be condemned in the strongest terms. No destination is worth risking innocent lives, and all road users have a responsibility to obey traffic regulations designed to protect everyone.

‎However, while the article advocates stricter enforcement and tougher sanctions for offenders, the problem requires a broader and more sustainable response. The persistence of one-way driving despite existing laws suggests that punishment alone may not be enough to eliminate the practice.

‎One factor that deserves attention is the severe traffic congestion that frequently characterises the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Although traffic delays do not justify violating the law, they often contribute to the frustration that leads some motorists to make dangerous decisions. Addressing congestion through better road planning and traffic management should therefore form part of the solution.

‎There is also a need for improved road signage, clearer diversions, and better communication regarding alternative routes. Motorists are more likely to comply with traffic regulations when they are provided with safe and practical options.

‎Public awareness campaigns should equally be intensified. While most drivers know that one-way driving is an offence, many may not fully appreciate the devastating consequences it can have. Continuous sensitisation through traditional and digital media can help reinforce responsible driving habits and promote a culture of road safety.

‎Equally important is the consistent and impartial enforcement of traffic laws. Regulations must apply to all road users regardless of status or influence. When some individuals appear to evade sanctions, public confidence in the system is weakened and compliance declines.

‎Government agencies should also embrace modern traffic management technologies, including surveillance cameras, automated monitoring systems, and intelligent traffic control measures. These tools can improve enforcement, enhance traffic flow, and reduce opportunities for dangerous violations.

The article’s recommendation to install anti-one-way devices is commendable and warrants serious consideration. However, such measures should complement broader efforts to address the underlying causes of the problem rather than serve as a standalone solution.

‎Ultimately, ending one-way driving on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway requires a combination of effective law enforcement, public education, improved infrastructure, better traffic management, and collective responsibility. While offenders must be held accountable, lasting success will depend on giving equal attention to prevention.

‎The loss of even one life due to a preventable traffic violation is one too many. Government agencies, security personnel, transport unions, and motorists must therefore work together to ensure that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway becomes safer for all who use it.

‎Abashi Rahab is a Strategic Communication student at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, and an intern at IMPR. He wrote via ‎abashirahab@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Samson Onilewaji, after he was allegedly found with a suspected human hand, firearms, and other items during a stop-and-search operation along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

Police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed the development in a statement posted on the command’s official X account on Friday.

According to the statement, officers intercepted an unregistered commercial shuttle bus carrying six passengers during a routine security operation. A search of the vehicle and its occupants reportedly led to the recovery of several items from the suspect.

The statement read, “During a search of the vehicle and its occupants, the suspect, identified as Samson Onilewaji, male, aged 21 years, was found in possession of a suspected human right hand, two locally made pistols, one live cartridge, two axes, one POS terminal machine, and five ATM cards.

“The suspect confessed to have recently robbed three individuals of their personal belongings, including the recovered POS terminal machine and ATM cards. Efforts are ongoing to identify and contact the victims for the return of their recovered property.

“Investigation is also ongoing to ascertain the identity of the owner of the recovered suspected human hand, the circumstances surrounding its possession, and its intended use. Further efforts are being intensified to identify and apprehend other criminal associates connected with the suspect. The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.”

The police said investigations are continuing to determine the source of the severed hand and uncover possible links to other criminal activities.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, called on residents to remain alert and continue providing useful information to security agencies to support crime prevention efforts across the state.

By H. A. Dandajeh

I was in Ajah, Lagos State, a few weeks ago, where I observed a large number of beggars, mostly women and children, ranging 5 – 13years, from Northern Nigeria, occupying the road divider along Addo Road under the Ajah bridge.

The situation was quite disturbing. Apart from being an eyesore, the persistent manner in which many of them approached unknown vehicles in search of alms was deeply concerning. Some kids were left fighting within themselves and some provocatively dancing to the street music with obviously no parent to send them to schools and no one to discipline them for bad behavior and wrongdoings.

I asked someone where these individuals sleep, how their safety and security are guaranteed, and whether the women are protected from harassment by street gangs and other criminal elements? No clear answers were forthcoming.

The Lagos State Government’s efforts to sanitize and regulate public spaces within the state especially with the escalating rate of insecurity shouldn’t be questioned. The Lagos authorities are not going after genuine Northern traders, but beggars who can easily be compromised as vulnerable security threats.

Beyond issues of aesthetics of Lagos, there are important concerns relating to public safety, human dignity, child welfare and education that must not be ignored.

We cannot continue to tolerate the commercialization of intentional, avoidable and unjustified begging in some parts of Northern Nigeria and then criticize other regions when they take decisive measures to protect their communities and maintain public order.

As a society, we can, and must, do better. We owe it to ourselves to create environments that uphold human dignity, encourage productivity, and provide vulnerable individuals with sustainable opportunities rather than leaving them exposed on the streets.

Every parent must be held responsibly accountable to his family!

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Federal Executive Council has approved contracts totaling $2.99 billion for the construction of three major rail projects across Nigeria.

Announced by Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele, these projects aim to boost economic development and improve the quality of life for daily commuters.

The approved infrastructure specifically covers Phase 1A of the Lagos Green Line rail project, the Kano Metro rail project, and the Kaduna light rail system. The target cities were selected by the council due to their strategic importance as major national economic hubs.

The projects will be funded through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated on behalf of the federal government, with active support from standard counterpart funding arrangements.

Government authorities maintain that these major corridors will unlock job opportunities, alleviate heavy traffic gridlocks, and attract stronger local and foreign investments to the regions.

By Saifullahi Attahir

The desperation to fail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by some politicians and their consistent attempt to recruit others into believing their rhetoric will always be an anticipated issue in the realm of politics, but whenever myopic outlooks like sectarianism, blame games, and regionalism are used, that’s what irritates my conscience into responding at the expense of whatever others may label me. What I believe is to stand for what I think is right, even if I have to stand alone.

The level of those campaigns was to the extent that you can’t say anything good about the Tinubu government without being portrayed as anti-North or even a heretic. This is preposterous!

Politics should not be built on emotions, and governance should not be like inheritance, where no matter who it is, if they’re not your kinsmen, all is not well. This is not the original personality of a typical Northerner. 

I’m not a party card-carrying member but an ordinary student, so I have the liberty to express my views based on my limited understanding. I would like to address the issue of labelling every project undertaken by President Tinubu as nepotistic, especially when it is situated in the South-West. 

Let me give an example with the recent trip President Tinubu led to the United Kingdom, where he secured a deal to revamp the Tin Can and Apapa ports in Lagos. Sealing a deal to revamp Tin Can and Apapa ports should be viewed with such an open mind as a national investment. Lagos would remain the economic bloodline of this country for the time being, hence supporting its economic growth. 

Among the notable achievements of even the most pro-Arewa leaders, like the late Gen. Murtala Ramat Muhammad, during his short stint, was the decongestion of the Lagos Apapa port led by the famous brig. Benjamin Adekunle (The Scorpion).  

I’m not promoting the idea of continuing channelling of funds to develop Lagos at the expense of other regions, but it would be absurd when overnight we heard the FG seal a deal to start importing goods through Niger-Maradi or the Lake Chad basin or create artificial ports in the North linking us to the transatlantic trade (it’s possible, but not overnight like in Libya or the UAE).

The North should have focused more on ensuring that fighting illiteracy included at least a mandatory universal secondary school education with skills. The ‘right education’ would solve 60% of all this menace. 

An enlightened self would not be used as a tool to create and perpetuate insecurity in the form of banditry and suicide bombings. An ignited mind wouldn’t be fertile ground for sectarian conflicts. You can’t woo an educated person into choosing a leader whose focus is to distribute spaghetti.

We should accept the fact that the North is a landlocked region. We are surrounded by Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. We have our own priorities that, if well executed, can boost the regional economy. Comparing ourselves to Lagos wouldn’t help matters. Lagos was an island inhabited by whites centuries ago. It was the former national capital for almost thirty years and home to almost all the country’s major industries. 

As to the second part of the rhetoric, which was also the ultimate agenda, to wrest power from President Tinubu and hand it over to another ‘Arewa politician’. Governance returning to Arewa would never be our solution. This was tried in 2015 by removing Jonathan through every possible means, only to regret a similar decision less than 4 years later.

A bitter truth to swallow was that, since our return to democracy in 1999, leaders from the South-West have proved to contribute more to issues of national development. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s 8 years would always be remembered for bringing a near-normal political stability to the country, improved national security, an improved economy, the cancellation of national debt, improved foreign relationships, the introduction of several empowerment programmes, the introduction/subsidisation of telecommunications, and a decisive leadership unparalleled when compared to late President Buhari’s 8 years of bewilderment.

It’s not about Tinubu prioritising Lagos and intentionally killing Arewa. The seed of sustainable national development was sown long ago, when Awolowo’s Action Group was fighting for universal education and ideological politics in their region, while our NPC was busy seeking alliances to dominate the Parliament. It’s better to hold our governors more responsible instead of the federal government.

Between 2007 and 2015, the Southwest Governors (Aregbesola, Fashola, Mimiko, Adams Oshiomhole, etc.) used their opposition to create massive developmental programmes for their region, consolidate power around the leading opposition figure, Tinubu, and enhance their regional security, while we were busy trying to wrest power from Jonathan.

To the question of ‘Arewa-2027′, who should be the candidate? The inconsistent Baba Atiku, or politicians renowned for vengeance politics, or those lacking an accommodating mind for others to win national elections, or politicians without international exposure? Tinubu is not the ideal for Nigeria, but the aforementioned politicians are no match for his governance track record as governor and, 2 years into the presidency, as president.

The current insecurity menace is a testament to how one man is incapable of addressing it. Many among the top security brass are from the North: the NSA, the Federal and State Ministers of Defence. In a region with the highest illiteracy rate, things worse than this could happen. Spaghetti and religious affiliation can woo the masses to vote for a candidate.

We should focus better on finding the RIGHT MAN rather than on which part of the country he came from.

Saifullahi Attahir is the President of the National Association of Jigawa State Medical Students (NAJIMS) National Body. He wrote this piece from the Rasheed Shekoni Federal University Teaching Hospital, Dutse, via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abubakar

British/Nigerian-born professional boxer Anthony Joshua has survived a fatal road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed two lives.

The accident occurred on Monday along the Shagamu Interchange axis of the busy expressway. Confirming the incident, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, said the crash involved multiple vehicles, resulting in the deaths of two persons at the scene.

Joshua was reportedly involved in the accident but escaped unhurt. Details surrounding the circumstances of the crash and the identities of the victims were yet to be fully disclosed as of press time.

Emergency responders were said to have arrived promptly, while traffic was temporarily disrupted as authorities cleared the scene and commenced investigations into the cause of the accident.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday celebrated the second anniversary of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line, highlighting its achievements and unveiling a special fare reduction.

According to the governor, the Blue Line has carried more than five million passengers safely in the past two years, without recording a single accident. He noted that trains now operate every 10 minutes, completing over 90 trips daily and easing travel across the state.

To mark the milestone, Sanwo-Olu announced a 50 per cent cut in fares on the Blue Line for Thursday, September 4, 2025, encouraging Lagosians who have not yet experienced the service to do so.

He expressed gratitude for the support and trust of residents, stressing that the success of the project reflects collective belief in “a greater Lagos.”

“Our journey is far from over,” the governor said. “Step by step, we are creating the Lagos we all desire—safer, faster, and easier to move around.”

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raided an 80-room hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, recovering illicit drugs valued at over one billion naira.

During the operation conducted between Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2025, operatives combed through The Hook Hotel, also known as Caesar Hotel and Caesar Lounge, located at 16 Waziri Ibrahim Street, off Elsie Femi Pearse Street, Victoria Island. 

The operatives also recovered 589 bags of Canadian Loud — a potent strain of cannabis — weighing a total of 417.3 kilograms and valued at ₦1,042,500,000 in street price.

Three suspects — Eze Ayitu, Ofuokwu Samuel, and Emmanuel Ameh — were arrested during the operation, while two others, identified as Noble Philip and his partner Kenneth, are currently at large.

Items suspected to be proceeds from the drug trade, including five vehicles (Toyota Prado, Land Cruiser, Jeep, Toyota Sienna, Volkswagen Delivery Van, Kia Cerato, and a Grand Caravan Dodge), 74 new TV sets, 10 used TVs, and 13 refrigerators, were also recovered from the premises.

The chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the operatives for the successful operation and urged them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).

By Abdulhakeem Yetu Zakari

Police officers are sworn to protect, yet too often they become the very predators that citizens fear. The recent case of police extortion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, highlighted by an editorial in the Nigerian Tribune on Friday, March 14, 2025, is just one of many disturbing examples.

A traveler, on his way out of the country, found himself at the mercy of uniformed officers who accused him of internet fraud merely because they discovered a love letter on his phone. What should have been a routine encounter quickly escalated into an ordeal—one that concluded with him being extorted of ₦260,000 through a POS transaction. 

The money was sent to an account linked to a suspect, a method that has become all too common in these shakedown operations. This brazen misconduct is more than just a stain on the reputation of the Nigerian police; it is a cancer eating deep into the fabric of society. 

When those responsible for law enforcement become the enforcers of lawlessness, to whom do citizens turn? Police extortion in Nigeria has evolved from sporadic bribes into a well-organized criminal enterprise embedded within the force. Officers who should be defending the rights of the people now act like rogue agents, preying on innocent citizens. 

The danger of this menace extends beyond financial loss—it breeds fear and resentment and erodes trust in the justice system. For many Nigerians, the fear of encountering police officers has surpassed the fear of encountering criminals. When citizens approach a police checkpoint, they are not concerned about security but about how much money they might have to part with to evade harassment, intimidation, or even arbitrary detention. 

Those who resist are often brutalised, falsely accused of crimes, or threatened with trumped-up charges. Some do not make it out alive. Every incident of extortion further damages the already fragile relationship between the police and the public. Citizens who are supposed to rely on law enforcement for protection now view officers with suspicion and fear. 

This loss of trust has far-reaching consequences—not just for individuals but for national security. When the public distrusts the police, cooperation in fighting actual crime diminishes. People become reluctant to report crimes, knowing that the very officers they turn to may exploit or even implicate them falsely. 

This weakens overall law enforcement efforts and emboldens actual criminals. On the international stage, these acts of extortion paint Nigeria as a nation where corruption is deeply entrenched. Foreign travellers and investors hear stories of police preying on citizens, and it raises concerns about safety, governance, and the rule of law. 

Who would want to visit or invest in a country where law enforcement officers act like criminals? I do not speak as an outsider to this reality—I, too, have been a victim. In December 2024, in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, my friend and I stepped out to buy something from a nearby store. Suddenly, police officers appeared and singled out my friend, accusing him of an unspecified crime. 

They found nothing incriminating, yet they threatened him and demanded a “bail” fee—right there on the roadside. No station, no paperwork, just a blatant extortion scheme. Having heard too many similar stories, I knew better than to linger. I ran. Because in Nigeria, when the police grab you, guilt or innocence does not matter. What matters is how much money they can extract before letting you go.

This is the harsh reality that many Nigerians face daily. Whether traveling abroad or simply walking down the street, citizens are easy targets for extortion. The very people meant to ensure safety have transformed into predators, shaking down those they vowed to protect. This must stop. 

I urge the relevant authorities to impose strict penalties on officers who misuse their power. There should be an independent complaints system where victims of police extortion can safely report cases without fear of retaliation. Surveillance and monitoring systems must be implemented, especially at known extortion hotspots such as airports and major highways.

If decisive action is not taken, police extortion will continue to thrive, deepening the distrust between the people and law enforcement. The Nigerian police force still has an opportunity to redeem itself, but it must act swiftly and decisively to purge corrupt elements from its ranks. If the police are no longer our protectors, then who will save us from them?

Abdulhakeem Yetu Zakari is interning at PRNigeria and can be reached at: abdulhakeemzakari7@gmail.com.