News

Why We’ll Not Approve Three-storey Buildings Without Elevators — Abia Govt

Published

1 year ago

March 8, 2025

The Abia State government has explained why developers would no longer get approval for three-storey building without elevator.

This, according to the government, is for safety and habitable for users and owners, warning developers that the state will no longer approve such construction.

Speaking during a training session for the personnel of the building control unit of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), the General Manager of the agency, Architect Uche Ukeje, emphasised the need for strict implementation of building control measures.

Ukeje, represented by the Head of the Building Control Unit of GADA, Mr. Enyinnaya Romanus, said the move aims to eliminate building collapses, protect lives and properties, and ensure the construction of environmentally friendly buildings.

He warned officials of the building control unit to ensure stage-by-stage monitoring and supervision of building projects to maintain high standards.

He said, “Before now, there was nothing like building control in Aba. Now, the rule is that before you cast your foundation, there are certain approvals you must get. Then, you come back, and we must come to the site to inspect as you build to enable us to know if you are following the approvals. We are going to ensure stage-by-stage supervision and monitoring of building projects. GADA won’t allow sharp practices.

“There are certain facilities or designs that must be fitted in some types of buildings; otherwise, you won’t get further approvals to build. No developer will get further approval if there are no provisions for elevators in any storey buildings from three floors. We must approve your plan for drainage and waste disposal, or your project will be stalled until you comply with standard practices.

“The era of piping waste to drainage by developers is gone. Any developer who contravenes any standard will be arrested and prosecuted if he fails to remedy the contravention within the period allowed. We are not against any developer but are ensuring that buildings are safe, fit, and habitable.

“We don’t want to hear of buildings collapsing and killing people. If you lose a property, you know how many millions of naira will be involved, and you also know the state of the economy. GADA has come to improve the old method of building without standards. We have digitalized our operations. You can ascertain the status of your project, no matter your location. And if we ask you to stop work on your project, you can easily check our platforms and find out the reason.

“We are also working with environmental health officials to arrest and prosecute those destroying our environment. We have already carried out adequate sensitization of residents about the need to protect the environment.”

News

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

12 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

18 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

18 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.