The project, approved through the National Sports Commission (NSC), will involve the complete renewal of the stadium’s main pitch and tartan tracks, alongside upgrades to several facilities within the complex.

According to the government, the renovation will cover the rehabilitation of dressing rooms, media facilities, VIP and corporate suites, public address systems, security infrastructure, cooling and heating systems, as well as the restoration of the stadium’s roof membrane.

The MKO Abiola Stadium previously underwent extensive rehabilitation between 2020 and 2022 under the “Adopt-a-Pitch” initiative of the Ministry of Sports, funded by businessman Aliko Dangote.

In the 2026 budget, the Federal Government allocated N24.6 billion for broader structural rehabilitation works through the National Sports Commission.

Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the redevelopment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of using sports as a tool for youth empowerment, economic development and infrastructure growth.

The project will also include the establishment of a High Performance Centre, conversion of the 200-bed athletes’ hostel into a hotel-style accommodation facility, rehabilitation of the swimming pool and construction of two additional training pitches.

Plans are also underway for the installation of modern floodlights, electronic advertising boards, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, anti-doping laboratories and upgraded sports medical facilities.

Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to build a comprehensive sports ecosystem that would promote talent development, job creation and international competitiveness.

The Federal Government also approved the construction of 20 mini sports centres across the country to encourage grassroots sports development and youth participation.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Commander of Mining Marshals Operations and Assistant Commandant of Corps, Attah Onoja.

According to the statement, the deployment forms part of ongoing measures aimed at strengthening enforcement and improving regulatory compliance within the mining industry.

“The Mining Marshals are now participating in investigations, intelligence gathering, compliance monitoring, and fact-finding missions conducted by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development,” Onoja stated.

He disclosed that the marshals recently joined officials of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development on operational visits to mining sites in Nasarawa State and Plateau State.

The operations were conducted under the leadership of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.

According to the statement, the field operations were aimed at improving monitoring, regulatory compliance, and operational oversight within the sector.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Faruk Yusuf Yabo, represented the minister during some of the engagements.

During one of the operations, the Mining Marshals and ministry officials visited a mining site allegedly involved in illegal mining activities.

The visit, according to the statement, was intended to verify allegations of unlawful mining, assess compliance with mining regulations, and gather information for possible administrative and enforcement actions.

Other senior officials present during the operations included Engr. Frank Odoom, Director of Special Duties; Engr. Imam A. Ganiyu, Director of Mines Inspectorate; Andrew Zubiri, Director of Legal Services; and Ibrahim Abdulmajeed, representing the Director General of the Mining Cadastre Office.

The government noted that the engagements also provided an opportunity for mining communities to communicate concerns relating to illegal mining, environmental issues, security challenges, and regulatory compliance directly to authorities.

The statement added that the Mining Marshals would continue to support the ministry through intelligence gathering, operational collaboration, and inter-agency coordination across mining communities nationwide.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the corporation’s spokesperson, Callistus Unyimadu, revealed that the suspect was found in possession of railway components believed to have been illegally removed from the rail corridor.

He stated that the items recovered from the suspect included iron rail fasteners, which are essential for maintaining the stability and safety of railway tracks. According to him, tampering with such components could lead to serious operational hazards.

Unyimadu explained that the arrest was carried out on Thursday, March 26, 2026, by security operatives attached to the railway system during a routine patrol around the Lagos network.

He further noted that the suspect has since been processed through the appropriate legal channels and handed over for investigation and prosecution.

Unyimadu said, “Following his arrest, the suspect was immediately handed over to the Nigerian Railway Police Command for investigation and prosecution.

“Subsequently, he was arraigned before a competent court in Lagos, where he was remanded in custody at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending further hearing. The case has been adjourned to April 24, 2026.”

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, reaffirmed the corporation’s strict stance against vandalism, describing such acts as economic sabotage that endangers both lives and critical infrastructure.

He praised the security personnel involved in the arrest for their alertness and quick response, adding that the corporation will continue to work with relevant security agencies to clamp down on illegal activities targeting railway assets.

Opeifa also cautioned that individuals or groups involved in the theft or destruction of railway property would face the full consequences of the law.

The corporation urged members of the public to remain observant and report any suspicious behavior around railway corridors, stressing that the railway system remains a vital national asset that requires collective protection.

It further assured passengers and stakeholders of its continued commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and efficient rail services across the country.nt further incidents and protect national infrastructure.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, expressed sympathy for those who experienced discomfort and disruptions, emphasizing the government’s understanding and empathy.

Wahab attributed the flooding to a combination of factors, including Lagos’s natural vulnerability as a coastal city, periods of heavy rainfall, and tidal lock. He reassured the public that the government is continuously investing in drainage infrastructure, regular desilting, and enforcing environmental laws to mitigate flooding incidents and protect lives and property.

The commissioner also provided specific insights into some of the hard-hit areas. He noted that the flooding at Kusenla was a “technical challenge,” with a survey revealing that the downstream area is higher than the existing drainage system. 

Around the House on the Rock church, he explained that the floods were worsened by illegal construction on floodplains and the dumping of refuse in drains.

Wahab issued a strong warning that illegal structures contributing to the flood would be removed. He appealed to residents for their understanding and cooperation, urging them to help by keeping drains clear and avoiding construction on floodplains. 

He stated that the government would ensure the prompt removal of illegal structures and obstructions, including unauthorized reclamations carried out without the necessary environmental impact assessment report and drainage clearance.

The ministry remains dedicated to strengthening its flood management systems, a goal that requires the support and responsible actions of all Lagosians.

The directive came from the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, following an on-site inspection of road projects across the FCT, Kaduna, and Niger States. He was accompanied by the Minister of State for Works, Arc. Bello Goronyo, among other officials.

According to the Minister, efforts to get Salini Nigeria Ltd, the original contractors, to repair the severely damaged road were unsuccessful.

He noted the dreadful condition of Section 1 of the road, starting from the Abuja-Kano highway, which frequently causes breakdowns for heavy vehicles and contributes to fatal accidents. The government ended a road contract after an inspection showed the contractor didn’t have the necessary equipment. The two worst-affected parts of the road will now be fixed urgently using emergency procurement, and the government plans to document the road’s current condition for public record.

The Niger State governor had previously appealed to President Bola Tinubu about the road’s condition, prompting the Ministry of Works to step in.

Notably, the state government has already completed about 30 kilometers of the dual carriageway through its urban renewal initiative, handled by CCCC. The federal government has now greenlit CCCC to continue work on the remaining 71 kilometers (142 kilometers of dual carriageway) under emergency terms.

The Minister stated that CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on the most crucial 7-kilometer stretch, with their engineers and the Ministry’s jointly supervising site preparation.

Segun Showunmi, a PDP chieftain, applauded the Minister’s swift response, recalling his previous advocacy for this road and three others. He criticized the poor quality of road projects delivered by some foreign contractors in Nigeria compared to their international work.

Senator Nwaebonyi praised the President and the Minister for their decisive leadership and tangible results, highlighting the Minister’s consistent project inspections and the administration’s work on the Lagos-Calabar road.

The Minister of State for Works, Goronyo, commended Showunmi’s “investigative opposition” for physically inspecting projects and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and acknowledge the ongoing economic recovery fueled by infrastructure development.

In a statement released Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike explained that the affected plants are two of the four facilities responsible for producing and distributing water to FCT residents.

Due to the maintenance work, only two treatment plants remain operational, prompting the FCT Water Board to implement a water rationing system expected to last for about two weeks.

“This is not a total shutdown,” Wike clarified. “Two plants are still functioning, and SCC Nigeria Ltd. is working around the clock to complete the rehabilitation ahead of schedule. Residents are encouraged to store enough water to meet their needs during this period.”

He added that, in preparation for the upcoming Sallah celebrations, the two shut-down plants would be temporarily powered to support water distribution.

Wike also pointed out that the four water treatment facilities—Phases 1, 2, 3, and 4—each have a 30,000m³/hour capacity. However, due to aging infrastructure, Phases 1 and 2 had been operating below capacity, necessitating a full overhaul, including the replacement of key electro-mechanical components.

Because Phases 1 and 2 are linked, both had to be shut down simultaneously to carry out the upgrades. While Phases 3 and 4 remain in operation, they cannot fully meet demand on their own.

To reduce the impact of the disruption, the Water Board has introduced a rationing timetable that alternates supply between two main distribution lines. Wike urged residents to remain patient, stressing that the improvements will lead to more reliable water service once completed.

In its weather outlook released in Abuja, NiMet projected sunny skies across the northern region on Wednesday, with isolated thunderstorms expected later in the day over parts of Taraba, Borno, Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Gombe, and Adamawa.

For the North-Central region, the agency expects sunny skies with patches of clouds, and the possibility of isolated thunderstorms in parts of Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi during the afternoon and evening.

In the South, morning thunderstorms are likely in areas such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom. Later in the day, thunderstorms are predicted in parts of Imo, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta.

By Thursday, sunny conditions are expected to persist in the northern region, with isolated thunderstorms in parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Kaduna in the afternoon and evening.

The North-Central region is forecast to experience sunny skies with isolated thunderstorms over Plateau, Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Kogi later in the day.

In the South, thunderstorms are anticipated in Cross River, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom in the morning, and in several other states—including Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Rivers, and Delta—during the afternoon and evening.

On Friday, NiMet projects mostly sunny skies with few clouds across the northern states. However, isolated thunderstorms may occur in parts of Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba later in the day.

Sunny intervals with patchy clouds are expected in the North-Central, with chances of thunderstorms over Plateau, Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Kogi during the afternoon and evening.

Morning thunderstorms are anticipated in Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom. Later in the day, thunderstorms are likely across Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Lagos.

NiMet has urged the public to take necessary precautions, warning that strong winds may precede the rains, particularly in areas prone to thunderstorms. Residents are advised to secure loose objects to prevent accidents.

The agency also advised motorists to avoid driving during heavy downpours and recommended unplugging electrical appliances during storms. It further warned people to stay away from tall trees to avoid falling branches.

Airline operators are encouraged to obtain location-specific weather updates for better flight planning.

NiMet concluded by urging Nigerians to stay informed through its weather updates, available on its website: www.nimet.gov.ng.

The report sheds light on cities and highways prone to theft, violent attacks, and road hazards, providing critical insights into the country’s security challenges.

Port Harcourt emerged as the most perilous city, with 85 reported incidents, predominantly involving armed robbery and kidnapping. Maiduguri followed with 52 incidents, attributed largely to insurgent activities. Lagos recorded 32 cases of urban crime, particularly in densely populated areas.

The report highlighted the Makurdi-Jos route as another hotspot, plagued by youth gang violence and farmer-herder conflicts. These issues often result in roadblocks and attacks on motorists, exposing lapses in government security measures. Jos, Calabar, and Kano reported 18 to 23 incidents each, primarily involving communal clashes and urban theft.

Eleme Junction, a vital transport hub in Rivers State, accounted for 16 incidents, while Onitsha’s bustling trade routes saw 15 cases of theft and related crimes.

Notably, the Port Harcourt-Warri route was flagged as more dangerous than the Abuja-Kaduna highway due to a rise in kidnapping-for-ransom cases.

The report revealed that 84.6% of respondents had either experienced or heard of security incidents along their travel routes. Only 42% considered the roads moderately safe, with a mere 2.4% describing them as very safe.

Infrastructure deficiencies, such as potholes, poor drainage, and traffic congestion, were also highlighted as factors exacerbating road hazards. The study called for enhanced security measures and improved road infrastructure to safeguard travelers.

SBM’s findings underscore the urgent need for strategic interventions to address these challenges and ensure safer travel across Nigeria.