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FEC approves purchase of $1.442m arms, ammunition for NDLEA

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2 years ago

June 26, 2024

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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved $1.442 million for the procurement of arms, ammunition and equipment for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to boost its anti-narcotics operations.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Dr Lateef Fagbemi, who disclosed this while briefing journalists at the State House, Abuja, after the FEC meeting, also informed his ministry submitted three memoranda on behalf of the NDLEA to Council.

According to Fagbemi, Council also approved N1.9 billion for the purchase of 33 CNG-compliant vehicles as well as N985 million for the procurement of two full body scanners for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

He said the other two approvals were also in favour of the NDLEA aimed at making the agency’s operations smooth.

“We discussed some other items today, three items in respect of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, otherwise known as NDLEA. The first one is the procurement of 33 Mikano Maxus E60 motor vehicles, to boost the operation of the NDLEA at N1.9 billion.

“You will agree with me that it is important that we give support to the activities of NDLEA so the Council considered this and gave approval for the purchase of 33 Mikano vehicles and they are all CNG compliant.

“The second one is, again, purchase for the NDLEA this time is for the procurement of arms, ammunition and antiriot equipment for counter-narcotics operations for the NDLEA. This is for the sum of $1.442 million.

“The third in the series is the procurement of two units of full body scanners at both Abuja and Lagos international airports to boost the operation of the NDLEA. This is at a cost of N985 million”, the Minister said.

The FEC has approved a ban on the use of single-use plastics, also known as on-the-go plastics, in all federal ministries, agencies, and departments.

Minister of State for Environment, Iziak Salako, who disclosed this at the post-FEC briefing at the State House, explained that the move is in line with the 2022 National Policy on Plastic Waste Management and demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the triple crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

According to the Minister the ban aims to reduce plastic waste, which is a significant contributor to flooding, ocean pollution, and human health issues.

“The Federal Ministry of Environment proposed and the Federal Executive Council approved that a ban be placed on the use of on-the-go plastics, what we know as single-use plastics, in all ministries, agencies and departments of the federal governments. This is in line with the 2022 National Policy on Plastic Waste Management.

“We must say that the discussion in EXCO was very smooth because all members of EXCO including Mr President was very enthusiastic about this ban. This ban is also in line with the commitment of Mr. President to ensure that Nigeria plays its part in ensuring that the triple crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss is frontally address.

“As you know, plastic is one of the key challenges that we face when we go to our drains and when we talk about the issue of flooding, we find out that plastic waste is heavily incriminated. We also find out that plastic pollution is a major issue in our oceans, is a major issue affecting human health affecting our environment.

While the ban is currently limited to federal government institutions, it is seen as a precursor to a nationwide ban on single-use plastics by January 2025, as outlined in the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management.

“First, let me just say categorically, again, for purposes of clarity. The ban is for federal government ministries, agencies and departments, it is not nationwide. However, this is, in a way preparatory, if you look at the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, which was adopted in 2022, it envisaged that by January 2025, some categories of plastics will be banned in Nigeria and most of them are single-use; plastic spools, straws, PET bottles, pure water sachets, and so on and so forth.

“So what the federal government is doing is preparing the minds of Nigeria and leading by example. When you see this thing being done in the federal ministries and agencies, it will convince you that it is possible, as a matter of fact, I can tell you that in the Federal Ministry of Environment, we started the ban since January 2024 and it’s been largely”, the Minister said.

News

Gunmen abduct eight poly students in Ogun

Published

43 minutes ago

July 30, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Eight students of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), Ogun State, have been reportedly abducted after suspected kidnappers attacked their residence in Ipara, Remi North Local Government Area of the state.

A student at the school, who spoke to Tribune Online on condition of anonymity, explained that the incident happened around 9 pm on Wednesday, with eight students abducted by the kidnappers.

Following the incident, the source disclosed that the school management has announced the cancellation of their computer-based and written examinations scheduled for today (Tuesday).

“Following the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, today’s examination has been cancelled.

“However, *tomorrow’s examination remains scheduled as planned.* If there is any change regarding tomorrow’s exam, an official announcement will be communicated promptly.

“For now, all students are encouraged to remain calm, stay positive, and continue preparing for their examinations. We are hopeful that the situation will be resolved soon.

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” the notice sighted by Tribune Online reads.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed to Tribune Online that there were reports of abduction in the Ipara axis of the state.

While the PPRO did not confirm the number of people abducted, he disclosed that personnel of the Nigeria Police, especially men of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit and other tactical teams, have been deployed to the area immediately.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic promised to get back to our correspondent on the incident. However, notice (Nigerian Tribune)

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Varsity don slams Alaafin over three-hour delay, lack of apology at event

Published

56 minutes ago

July 30, 2026

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has come under heavy hammer from a Professor of English at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Ademola Omobewaji Dasylva, over his alleged three-hour delay to a programme and failure to apologise after arriving.

Dasylva, who teaches drama, poetry, African Literatures and Oral Literature/Folklore Studies at the University of Ibadan, described the monarch’s conduct as disrespectful and inconsistent with the values of the revered Yoruba royal institution.

The don made the remarks in an article, titled: “Of Mythography and Mythognosis: A Complementary Perspective on Yoruba Mythology and The Relevance, Today,” published on the Toyin Falola Network.

According to Dasylva, the article partly celebrated the inauguration of the Alaafin Institute of Yoruba Studies at the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, held on July 14, 2026.

Before I go on, however, let me mention, in passing, but for the maturity and discipline demonstrated by both the organisers, and the very cultured invited guests, an extreme patience taken for granted by some leaders and cultural icons, the well organised inauguration event of a foremost Yoruba Cultural Institute could have been thoroughly messed up, courtesy of the usual ‘Nigerian thing’, widely referred to as ‘African time,’” he wrote.

Dasylva said the event was scheduled to begin at 9am, with dignitaries, including retired Bishop (Prince) Ladigbolu, already seated, while the programme indicated that the Alaafin was expected at 9:55am.

The university lecturer alleged that the monarch did not arrive until 12:20pm, forcing guests to wait for more than three hours.

“However, the event had to be kept on hold, courtesy of Alaafin Owoade, who arrived at the venue at 12:20pm.

“In other words, people, including yours truly, were kept waiting for over three hours before the event finally took off.

“Perhaps it wouldn’t have mattered much had other important and peripheral activities including cultural dances, been allowed to fill up the gap pending the Alaafin’s arrival, but no.

“Everyone was kept waiting and wondering what could have taken the monarch that long to attend to a great honour bestowed on the revered Throne of the Alaafin and Ancestry.”

The professor said what disappointed him most was the absence of an apology from either the monarch or his representatives.

“Unfortunately, not a word of apology for the lateness of the Imperial Majesty and his entourage, either by his spokesperson or directly by His Imperial Majesty!

“But as a teacher of culture, a proud Yoruba, and an advocate of our rich African cultural heritage, I found that rather strange and incomprehensible.”

Dasylva argued that while such behaviour had become common among some politicians, it should not be associated with a foremost Yoruba monarch.

“I do know that many uncultured Nigerian politicians who have refused to outgrow their adult delinquency regularly do that a lot and take the people they are meant to serve for granted.

“However, may I say in all humility, it is least expected of a foremost Yoruba monarch, a significant institution that embodies Yoruba cultural values and the requisite discipline.

“To whom much is given much is required.

“Again, in all humility, I stand to be corrected.”

As at the time of filing this report, Oba Owoade, who is currently on vacation to Manitoba, Canada, where he resided before becoming Alaafin, could not be reached for comments on the professor’s condemnation.