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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian diplomacy and closer collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) following a high-level meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the federation’s new Head of Delegation, Ghulam Muhammed Awan.

The meeting, held in Abuja on Wednesday, came as Dr Awan formally presented his Letter of Commission and provided both sides with an opportunity to reaffirm their long-standing partnership in humanitarian assistance, disaster response, community resilience and the protection of vulnerable people.

Welcoming the IFRC official, Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated him on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure would strengthen the federation’s engagement with Nigeria and the wider West African region.

“I am confident that your tenure will further strengthen the Federation’s engagement with Nigeria and the wider West African region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to support the important humanitarian mandate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,” the minister said.

She praised the work of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the global Red Cross Movement, describing their contributions during disasters, armed conflicts, disease outbreaks and other emergencies as invaluable.

“The Red Cross has, over generations, earned global respect through its commitment to humanity, neutrality, impartiality and voluntary service,” she said.

Reflecting on her personal experiences, the minister recalled the organisation’s long-standing presence in Nigerian communities, saying its humanitarian activities had inspired generations of young people to support the less privileged.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also paid tribute to Red Cross volunteers working in difficult environments across the country, noting that they often risk their lives to provide assistance without discrimination.

“The enduring legacy of the organisation continues to foster compassion, volunteerism and community service across generations.

“The neutrality of the Red Cross remains one of its greatest strengths, enabling it to assist solely based on need, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious considerations. It is also encouraging that humanitarian workers and volunteers in Nigeria continue to enjoy the confidence and cooperation of local communities, thereby facilitating the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance across the country,” she said.

In response, Dr Awan thanked the minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s humanitarian response systems.

He stressed that the IFRC’s operations are guided by internationally recognised humanitarian principles.

“The Federation continues to strengthen community-based approaches to disaster preparedness and emergency response through its extensive network of volunteers operating at national, state and community levels.

“Our effectiveness is built upon the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, which enable our volunteers to assist all persons in need without discrimination,” Awan said.

The IFRC official described Nigeria as a strategic partner within the federation’s West and Central Africa operations and expressed optimism that cooperation with the Federal Government would continue to grow.

“We look forward to expanding collaboration in disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, public health, emergency preparedness and humanitarian capacity development,” he added.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in humanitarian action, disaster preparedness, the protection of vulnerable communities and the promotion of sustainable resilience across Nigeria and the wider West African region.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to address a four-month dispute over a development project in Kuje, following allegations that a senior official demanded a N100 million bribe to facilitate approval.

The meeting follows claims made by the developer, Jacob & Co Hospitality, which alleged that the Deputy Director of South Development, Kalu Madubuike, demanded the payment in connection with the project.

In a statement issued on behalf of the company’s Director Kunle Diamond-Illori said the emergency session will bring together representatives of the developer, officials of the FCTA and other stakeholders in an effort to resolve the impasse.

According to the statement, Madubuike had admitted during an earlier meeting that he was acting on behalf of third-party interests.

“During a preliminary meeting, Kalu Madubuike admitted that he had been acting on behalf of third-party interests who asked him to represent their position before the FCTA,” the statement alleged.

The company described the emergency meeting as an important opportunity to restore confidence in the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“The meeting represents a major test of the government’s commitment to transparency and improving the ease of doing business. We hope it will mark a turning point in tackling corruption in Nigeria’s development sector,” the statement said.

The dispute centres on a development project in Kuje, Abuja, which the company said has been delayed for four months.

As of the time of filing this report, the allegations against Madubuike had not been independently verified, while the Federal Capital Territory Administration had not issued an official response to the bribery claims.

Efforts to obtain comments from the FCTA and the official named in the allegations were unsuccessful before publication. The report will be updated should either party respond.

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The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos have announced a temporary shutdown in observance of the country’s Independence Day celebration.

The diplomatic offices will remain closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, according to an official notice released by the US Mission in Nigeria on Thursday.

This announcement was made through the mission’s official social media platforms, informing the public about the temporary closure of services at both locations.

According to the US Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of US Independence Day.”

The closure means regular consular and embassy services, including visa appointments and other public-facing operations, will be unavailable for the day. Normal activities are expected to resume after the holiday.

US Independence Day, popularly known as the Fourth of July, is celebrated annually to mark one of the most significant moments in American history.

The day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when thirteen American colonies formally declared freedom from British rule.