By Fabian Apechihin

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, has dismissed criticism from the Presidency over his recent comments on Nigeria’s economic situation and the growing hardship faced by citizens.

Speaking in a video published on SYMFONI’s official YouTube channel on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Onaiyekan said he had no reason to apologise for speaking out about the challenges confronting Nigerians.

The Catholic cleric said his comments were made in good faith and were intended to draw attention to the poverty and economic difficulties affecting ordinary citizens.

Addressing the backlash that followed his remarks, Onaiyekan said he was not intimidated by the criticism.

“I cannot be embarrassed. I’m 82 years old. Nobody can embarrass me, you know, and I’m not afraid of anybody. Nobody at this stage now. Who is going to arrest me?” he said.

Onaiyekan also clarified that his concerns were not solely his personal views, saying they reflected the broader position of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, which regularly speaks on issues affecting the welfare of Nigerians.

The cardinal noted that Nigerians were fortunate to have the freedom to express their views, particularly when compared with some other African countries where religious leaders face severe consequences for criticising government policies.

He maintained that religious leaders and ordinary citizens share the same economic realities and stressed the need for continued advocacy until meaningful relief is achieved for Nigerians.

By Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Bola Tinubu, has approved road construction and rehabilitation projects as well as several trailer park concessions worth about ₦438 billion nationwide.

The approvals were given during the FEC meeting held on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, disclosed the decisions while briefing State House correspondents after the meeting.

According to Goronyo, the approved projects cover the reconstruction and rehabilitation of major roads, as well as public-private partnership concessions for highway operations and trailer parks.

Approved Road Projects

1. Ado-Ekiti–Iyin–Aramoko–Itawure–Osun Border Road, Ekiti State – Reconstruction approved at a cost of ₦159.83 billion. The project was awarded to CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Ltd.
2. Abeokuta–Iboro–Ilaro Road, Ogun State – A variation order for the rehabilitation of the road was approved at ₦54.12 billion.
3. Port Harcourt–Eleme Junction–Onne Port Junction, Rivers State – Reconstruction of the 15-kilometre section of the East-West Road was approved at ₦74.51 billion and awarded to RCC Nigeria Ltd., with a nine-month completion period.
4. Ado-Ekiti–Afe Babalola University Road, Ekiti State – Phase II rehabilitation of the road, which forms part of the Ado–Ijan–Iluomobi–Imesi–Ondo border route, was approved at ₦54.52 billion.
5. Ilara–Iselu Road, Ogun State – Construction of Phases II to V was approved at ₦94.24 billion and awarded to JRB Construction Company Ltd., with a 24-month completion period.

Highway and Trailer Park Concessions

6. Dikko–Maje Section of Suleja–Minna Road, Niger State – Development of the 7.9-kilometre section was approved under a 40-year concession valued at ₦56.75 billion. Graciatech Engineering Nigeria Ltd. will handle the concession.
7. Lagos–Ibadan Expressway – Operation and maintenance of the expressway was approved under a 25-year concession valued at ₦96.43 billion. The concession was awarded to LIB Concession Group.
8. Aro-Ngwa Trailer Park, Abia State – Development of a greenfield trailer park was approved under a 50-year concession valued at ₦19.70 billion, with Greg Jane International Ltd. as the concessionaire.

The Federal Government said the approvals are part of ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure, strengthen transportation logistics and encourage private-sector participation in infrastructure development across the country.

By Fabian Apechihin

Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to restore the fuel subsidy regime if elected President of Nigeria.

Atiku criticised the removal of the subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the policy had failed to deliver the promised benefits to Nigerians.

President Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy during his inaugural address in May 2023, a move that was followed by a sharp increase in the prices of fuel, goods and services and growing economic pressure on citizens.

The Federal Government, however, has maintained that subsidy removal has increased monthly allocations to state governments and provided resources for infrastructure and other development projects.

Atiku, who had initially supported the removal of the subsidy, said his position had changed based on the impact of the policy on Nigerians.

“I initially did not oppose the removal of the fuel subsidy. But now that it has been removed, where is the money? Where has the subsidy money gone? Has it been used to improve healthcare, education or security?” Atiku asked in an interview shared on social media.

“If I win the presidential election, I will restore the subsidy. And anyone who stole Nigeria’s subsidy funds must return the money,” he added.

Atiku is seeking to challenge incumbent President and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, in the 2027 presidential election. He is also expected to face other major contenders, including Peter Obi.