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JUST IN: EFCC Nabs Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, in N8bn Fraud Probe
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, into custody as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged N8,069,176,864.00 fraud case. This development comes amidst a growing probe into corruption within the aviation sector.
Sirika, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, was arrested at the EFCC’s Federal Capital Territory Command at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday. Punch correspondent, who was at the Wuse office of the EFCC, confirmed the former minister’s arrival at the agency’s office in Abuja. He is currently undergoing questioning related to allegations of fraudulent contracts awarded during his tenure.
According to confidential sources within the EFCC, Sirika is facing allegations related to fraudulent contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika. The contracts, totaling over N8 billion, cover a range of projects within the aviation sector, including construction, maintenance, and procurement.
The contracts under investigation include the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, the establishment of a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center in Katsina Airport, and the procurement and installation of equipment for Aviation House in Abuja. The EFCC is also examining the contract for the procurement of Magnus aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.
Abubakar Sirika, the younger brother of Hadi Sirika, was previously arrested and detained by the commission. He is the sole signatory to Engirios Nigeria Limited’s accounts and is believed to have played a significant role in the alleged fraud scheme. The EFCC is investigating a transfer of N3,212,258,930.18 to the company’s bank accounts, with no trace of completed work related to the awarded contracts.
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge about the alleged conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation during Hadi Sirika’s tenure as Minister of Aviation. The EFCC’s continued efforts to combat corruption in high-profile cases are being closely watched, and this arrest is likely to attract significant public attention.
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Senator Manu flags off distribution of essential hospital equipment across Taraba Central (Video)
Tireless Senator Manu Haruna again embarks on massive distribution of essential hospital across Taraba Central Senatorial District.
This is coming barely three months after, the Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly quickly checkmated an outbreak of cholera in his district by supplying test equipment to curtail spread.
The distribution entails hospital equipment, beds, examination gynaecology tables and other critical healthcare facilities, across the 54 wards of Taraba Central.
This initiative, sponsored by Senator Manu Haruna, in collaboration with(NPHDA) and aims to enhance healthcare services in the senatorial district by equipping health centers with the necessary medical infrastructure.
The distribution of these vital hospital items underscores Senator Haruna’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that residents have access to quality medical services.
By prioritizing the health sector, Senator Haruna continues to demonstrate his dedication to the well-being of his constituents and the overall development of Taraba Central.
Watch video:
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Eurocham Nigeria Hosts 2025 Stakeholders Conference, Explores Business Growth in Post-Reform Era
By Gloria Ikibah
Business leaders, policymakers, and members of the diplomatic community recently gathered in Lagos for the 2025 annual stakeholder conference of Eurocham Nigeria (The European Business Chamber) to discuss the impact of Nigeria’s economic reforms on trade, investment, and sustainable growth.
With the theme “Achieving Growth Post-Reforms,” the conference provided a platform to explore opportunities across key sectors, including trade, aviation, tourism, energy, finance, and workforce transformation.
In his welcome address, Eurocham Nigeria President, Mr. Yann Gilbert, emphasized the organization’s role in championing policies that foster economic progress and strengthen EU-Nigeria business ties.
Delivering a keynote speech, Honorary President of Eurocham Nigeria and European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to Nigeria’s economic transformation. He outlined initiatives aimed at deepening trade relations and unlocking investment potential, introducing the EU-Eurocham Support Grant as a mechanism to boost private-sector growth.
In a second keynote address, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) who was represented by the Special Adviser on Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ms. Janet Oputa, highlighted the aviation sector’s role in post-reform economic expansion. Speaking on “Aviation: A Catalyst for Growth,” she detailed ongoing infrastructure projects and emerging investment opportunities in Nigeria’s air transport industry.
A key feature of the event was a presentation by Ms. Danelee Masia, Director Economist for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa at Deutsche Bank, titled “Nigeria: A Path to Renewed Growth.” She provided a macroeconomic analysis of Nigeria’s recovery, focusing on fiscal reforms, foreign exchange policies, and investment trends shaping the nation’s future.
Eurocham Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships between Nigeria and the European business community. The organization pledged continued advocacy for pro-business policies, regulatory enhancements, and economic cooperation initiatives that benefit both Nigeria and the EU.
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TAC Reaffirms Commitment to Enhancing Nigeria’s Global Image
By Gloria Ikibah
The Director General, Technical Aid Corps (TAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has reaffirmed the Corps’ dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage.
The Director-General stated this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), led by its Chairman, Comrade Frederick Idehai, on Monday in Abuja
Buba highlighted the role of TAC in promoting Nigeria’s influence abroad by deploying technical expertise to 35 African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries, and noted that the Corps has contributed to the professional growth of individuals who have gone on to hold key government positions, including cabinet ministers, while also impacting millions of lives.
Additionally, he assured DICAN of TAC’s readiness to collaborate in advancing the 4Ds foreign policy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. This policy anchored on Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora was introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under Minister Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar., which aims to position Nigeria strategically within the global community.
He further emphasised TAC’s commitment to working closely with DICAN, ensuring that the association is actively involved in the Corps’ activities through mutual collaboration and support.
Earlier in his remarks, DICAN Chairman, Comrade Idehai, expressed the association’s interest in partnering with TAC to promote its initiatives in alignment with the 4Ds doctrine. He underscored the strategic role of diplomatic correspondents in fostering national development and stability.
Comrade Idehai also highlighted DICAN’s mandate as a professional body of journalists and editors from print, electronic, online, and wire services, who cover diplomatic affairs, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies, and international organizations.
He explained that the association was duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) making it a credible partner for engagement.
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